{{Short description|2023 mixed martial arts event in São Paulo}} {{Infobox MMA event |name = UFC Fight Night: Almeida vs. Lewis |image= UFC Fight Night 231.jpg |promotion = Ultimate Fighting Championship |date = {{start date|2023|11|04}} |venue = Ginásio do Ibirapuera |city= São Paulo, Brazil |attendance= 10,792<ref>{{cite web |last=Bohn |first=Mike |date=November 5, 2023 |title=UFC Fight Night 231 post-event facts: Jailton Almeida sets ground control time record |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-fight-night-231-post-event-facts-jailton-almeida-sets-ground-control-time-record |access-date=November 6, 2023 |website=mmajunkie.usatoday.com |archive-date=November 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105232649/https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-fight-night-231-post-event-facts-jailton-almeida-sets-ground-control-time-record |url-status=live }}</ref> |gate= |previousevent= UFC 294: Makhachev vs. Volkanovski 2 |followingevent = UFC 295: Procházka vs. Pereira }}
'''''UFC Fight Night: Almeida vs. Lewis''''' (also known as '''''UFC Fight Night 231''''' and '''''UFC on ESPN+ 89''''') was a mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship that took place on November 4, 2023, at Ginásio do Ibirapuera in São Paulo, Brazil.<ref name="SP">{{cite web |last=Machado |first=Mateus |date=August 12, 2023 |title=UFC São Paulo é confirmado para novembro com duelo entre Blaydes e Malhadinho na luta principal; confira |trans-title=UFC São Paulo is confirmed for November with a duel between Blaydes and Malhadinho in the main event; check out |url=https://tatame.com.br/ufc-sao-paulo-novembro-blaydes-malhadinho-confira/ |access-date=August 13, 2023 |website=tatame.com.br |language=pt-br |archive-date=August 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230814055436/https://tatame.com.br/ufc-sao-paulo-novembro-blaydes-malhadinho-confira/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Background== The event marked the promotion's ninth visit to São Paulo and first since UFC Fight Night: Błachowicz vs. Jacaré in November 2019.<ref name="SP" />
The event was expected to be headlined by a heavyweight bout between Curtis Blaydes and Jailton Almeida.<ref>{{cite web |last=Meshew |first=Jed |date=June 1, 2023 |title=Curtis Blaydes vs. Jailton Almeida targeted for UFC main event in Sao Paulo |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/6/1/23746092/curtis-blaydes-vs-jailton-almeida-targeted-for-ufc-main-event-in-sao-paulo |access-date=June 5, 2023 |website=mmafighting.com |archive-date=June 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230609010628/https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/6/1/23746092/curtis-blaydes-vs-jailton-almeida-targeted-for-ufc-main-event-in-sao-paulo |url-status=live }}</ref> However, Blaydes withdrew for unknown reasons and was replaced by former UFC Heavyweight Championship challenger Derrick Lewis.<ref name="Lewis in">{{cite web |last=King |first=Nolan |last2=Bohn |first2=Mike |date=October 9, 2023 |title=Derrick Lewis replaces Curtis Blaydes, headlines UFC Sao Paulo vs. Jailton Almeida |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2023/10/ufc-news-derrick-lewis-vs-jailton-almeida-sao-paulo-curtis-blaydes-out-mma-fight-booking-matchup |access-date=October 9, 2023 |website=mmajunkie.usatoday.com |archive-date=October 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231010015806/https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2023/10/ufc-news-derrick-lewis-vs-jailton-almeida-sao-paulo-curtis-blaydes-out-mma-fight-booking-matchup |url-status=live }}</ref>
A women's strawweight bout between Eduarda Moura and Kim So-yul was scheduled for the event.<ref>{{cite web |last= |date=September 1, 2023 |title=Eduarda Ronda estreia no UFC São Paulo contra adversária sul-coreana |trans-title=Eduarda Ronda debuts at UFC São Paulo against South Korean opponent |url=https://ge.globo.com/se/noticia/2023/09/01/eduarda-ronda-estreia-no-ufc-sao-paulo-contra-adversaria-sul-coreana.ghtml |access-date=October 1, 2023 |website=ge.globo.com |language=pt-br |archive-date=October 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004004958/https://ge.globo.com/se/noticia/2023/09/01/eduarda-ronda-estreia-no-ufc-sao-paulo-contra-adversaria-sul-coreana.ghtml |url-status=live }}</ref> However, Kim was removed from the event for undisclosed reasons and replaced by Montserrat Ruiz.<ref name="Moura vs. Ruiz">{{cite web |last=King |first=Nolan |date=September 18, 2023 |title=Matchup Roundup: New UFC and Bellator fights announced in the past week (Sept. 11-17) |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-bellator-fights-announcements-cards-september-11-17-2023 |access-date=September 19, 2023 |website=mmajunkie.usatoday.com |archive-date=September 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920122934/https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-bellator-fights-announcements-cards-september-11-17-2023 |url-status=live }}</ref> At the weigh-ins, Moura weighed in at 119.5 pounds, three and a half pounds over the strawweight non-title fight limit. The bout proceeded at catchweight and she was fined 30% of her purse which went to Ruiz.<ref name="Weigh in">{{cite web |last= |date=November 3, 2023 |title=UFC Fight Night 231 weigh-in results: Three miss marks in Sao Paulo, two fights scrapped |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2023/11/ufc-fight-night-231-jailton-almeida-vs-derrick-lewis-sao-paulo-brazil-weigh-in-results |access-date=November 3, 2023 |website=mmajunkie.usatoday.com |archive-date=November 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107024048/https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2023/11/ufc-fight-night-231-jailton-almeida-vs-derrick-lewis-sao-paulo-brazil-weigh-in-results |url-status=live }}</ref>
A middleweight bout between Caio Borralho and Nursulton Ruziboev was expected to take place at the event.<ref>{{cite web |last=Leonard |first=Harvey |date=July 23, 2023 |title=UFC Matchmaking Bulletin (7/17-7/23): Caio Borralho & 'Blood Diamond' have returns announced, six cancellations |url=https://www.mmanews.com/features/ufc-matchmaking-bulletin-caio-borralho-blood-diamond-have-returns-announced-six-cancellations |access-date=October 8, 2023 |website=mmanews.com |archive-date=October 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011031319/https://www.mmanews.com/features/ufc-matchmaking-bulletin-caio-borralho-blood-diamond-have-returns-announced-six-cancellations |url-status=live }}</ref> However, Ruziboev withdrew for unknown reasons and was replaced by Abusupiyan Magomedov.<ref name="Abus">{{cite web |last= |date=October 8, 2023 |title=Abus Magomedov steps in to face Caio Borralho at UFC Sao Paulo |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/10/8/23908613/abus-magomedov-steps-in-to-face-caio-borralho-at-ufc-sao-paulo |access-date=October 8, 2023 |website=mmafighting.com |archive-date=October 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009004841/https://www.mmafighting.com/platform/amp/2023/10/8/23908613/abus-magomedov-steps-in-to-face-caio-borralho-at-ufc-sao-paulo |url-status=live }}</ref>
A bantamweight bout between Daniel Santos and Daniel Marcos was expected to take place at the event.<ref>{{cite web |last=Tiwari |first=Shivam |date=September 1, 2023 |title=Daniel Santos vs Daniel Marcos reported for UFC Sao Paulo |url=https://www.itnwwe.com/mma/daniel-santos-vs-daniel-marcos-reported-for-ufc-sao-paulo/ |access-date=October 16, 2023 |website=itnwwe.com |archive-date=October 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231027225701/https://www.itnwwe.com/mma/daniel-santos-vs-daniel-marcos-reported-for-ufc-sao-paulo/ |url-status=live }}</ref> However, Santos pulled out due to undisclosed reasons and was replaced by promotional newcomer Victor Hugo.<ref name="Santos out/Hugo in">{{cite web |last= |date=October 11, 2023 |title=UFC Sao Paulo: Daniel Santos out, Victor Hugo debuts vs Daniel Marcos |url=https://www.itnwwe.com/mma/ufc-sao-paulo-daniel-santos-out-victor-hugo-debuts-vs-daniel-marcos/ |access-date=October 16, 2023 |website=itnwwe.com |archive-date=October 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231027225703/https://www.itnwwe.com/mma/ufc-sao-paulo-daniel-santos-out-victor-hugo-debuts-vs-daniel-marcos/ |url-status=live }}</ref> However, the bout was scrapped after Hugo weighed in at 138.5 pounds, two and a half pounds over the bantamweight non-title fight limit.<ref name="Weigh in"/>
A featherweight bout between Lucas Alexander and David Onama was scheduled to take place in the preliminary card.<ref>{{cite web |last=Martinez |first=Diego |date=September 20, 2023 |title=David Onama vs. Lucas Alexander añadido al UFC São Paulo |trans-title=David Onama vs. Lucas Alexander added to UFC São Paulo |url=https://www.mmaaldia.com/david-onama-vs-lucas-alexander-para-ufc-sao-paulo/ |access-date=November 2, 2023 |website=mmaaldia.com |language=es |archive-date=November 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231102122250/https://www.mmaaldia.com/david-onama-vs-lucas-alexander-para-ufc-sao-paulo/ |url-status=live }}</ref> However, the bout was cancelled after Onama suffered an injury.<ref>{{cite web |last=Cruz |first=Guilherme |date=October 31, 2023 |title=Injury knocks David Onama, Lucas Alexander off UFC Sao Paulo |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/10/31/23940865/injury-david-onama-lucas-alexander-off-ufc-sao-paulo |access-date=October 31, 2023 |website=mmafighting.com |archive-date=October 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031211322/https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/10/31/23940865/injury-david-onama-lucas-alexander-off-ufc-sao-paulo |url-status=live }}</ref>
At the weigh-ins, Ismael Bonfim weighed in at 159.5 pounds, three and a half pounds over the lightweight non-title fight limit. As a result, his scheduled bout with Vinc Pichel was scrapped.<ref name="Weigh in"/>
A middleweight bout between Rodolfo Vieira and Armen Petrosyan was scheduled to take place on the main card, but it was scrapped after Petrosyan became ill backstage during the event.<ref>{{cite web |last=Anderson |first=Jay |date=November 4, 2023 |title=UFC Sao Paulo: Rodolfo Vieira vs. Armen Petrosyan cancelled last minute |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2023/11/04/ufc-sao-paulo-rodolfo-vieira-armen-petrosyan/ |access-date=November 4, 2023 |website=cagesidepress.com |archive-date=November 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105004908/https://cagesidepress.com/2023/11/04/ufc-sao-paulo-rodolfo-vieira-armen-petrosyan/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
A lightweight bout between Esteban Ribovics and Elves Brener was scheduled for the event.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kaynan Kruschewsky replaces Esteban Ribovics, will face Elvis Brener at UFC Sao Paulo|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/11/1/23941739/ufc-sao-paulo-update-kaynan-kruschewsky-esteban-ribovics-elves-brener|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Guilherme Cruz|date=2023-11-01|access-date=2026-03-29}}</ref> However, Ribovics withdrew due to an accident and was replaced by promotional newcomer Kaynan Kruschewsky.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Esteban Ribovics aclara la razón de su abandono para UFC Sao Paulo|url=https://elintra.com.ar/2023/11/06/esteban-ribovics-aclara-la-razon-de-su-abandono-para-ufc-sao-paulo/|publisher=elintra.com.ar|author=Redacción Elintra|date=2023-11-06|access-date=2026-03-29|language=es}} {{in lang|es}}</ref>
==Results== {{MMAevent}} {{MMAevent card|Main card (ESPN+)}} {{MMAevent bout |Heavyweight |Jailton Almeida |def. |Derrick Lewis |Decision (unanimous) (50–44, 50–44, 50–45) |5 |5:00 | }} {{MMAevent bout |Welterweight |Nicolas Dalby |def. |Gabriel Bonfim |TKO (knees and punches) |2 |4:33 | }} {{MMAevent bout |Heavyweight |Rodrigo Nascimento |def. |Don'Tale Mayes |Decision (unanimous) (30–27, 29–28, 29–28) |3 |5:00 | }} {{MMAevent bout |Middleweight |Caio Borralho |def. |Abusupiyan Magomedov |Decision (unanimous) (30–27, 29–28, 29–28) |3 |5:00 | }} {{MMAevent bout |Catchweight (165 lb) |Elves Brener |def. |Kaynan Kruschewsky |KO (punch) |1 |4:01 | }} {{MMAevent card|Preliminary card (ESPN+)|header=no}} {{MMAevent bout |Welterweight |Rinat Fakhretdinov |vs. |Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos |Draw (majority) (29–28, 28–28, 28–28) |3 |5:00 | }} {{MMAevent bout |Light Heavyweight |Vitor Petrino |def. |Modestas Bukauskas |KO (punch) |2 |1:03 | }} {{MMAevent bout |Women's Strawweight |Angela Hill |def. |Denise Gomes |Decision (unanimous) (30–27, 29–28, 29–28) |3 |5:00 | }} {{MMAevent bout |Catchweight (119.5 lb) |Eduarda Moura |def. |Montserrat Ruiz |TKO (punches) |2 |2:14 | }} {{MMAevent bout |Lightweight |Marc Diakiese |def. |Kauê Fernandes |Decision (split) (29–28, 28–29, 30–27) |3 |5:00 | }} {{MMAevent end|notes=yes}} <ref>{{cite web |title=UFC Fight Night: Almeida vs. Lewis |url=https://www.ufc.com/event/ufc-fight-night-november-04-2023 |access-date=August 11, 2023 |website=UFC |archive-date=August 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813002950/https://www.ufc.com/event/ufc-fight-night-november-04-2023 |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Bonus awards== The following fighters received $50,000 bonuses.<ref>{{cite web |last=Taylor |first=Chris |date=November 4, 2023 |title=UFC Sao Paulo Bonus Report: Nicolas Dalby one of four fighters to take home $50k |url=https://www.bjpenn.com/mma-news/ufc-sao-paulo/ufc-sao-paulo-bonus-report-nicolas-dalby-one-of-four-fighters-to-take-home-50k/ |access-date=November 4, 2023 |website=bjpenn.com |archive-date=November 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105072147/https://www.bjpenn.com/mma-news/ufc-sao-paulo/ufc-sao-paulo-bonus-report-nicolas-dalby-one-of-four-fighters-to-take-home-50k/ |url-status=live }}</ref> *'''Fight of the Night: Nicolas Dalby vs. Gabriel Bonfim''' *'''Performance of the Night: Elves Brener''' and '''Vitor Petrino'''
== See also == {{Portal|Martial arts}}
* List of UFC events * List of current UFC fighters * 2023 in UFC
== References == {{Reflist}}
{{UFC Events}} {{2023 in mixed martial arts}}
Category:UFC Fight Night Category:2023 in UFC Category:Mixed martial arts events in São Paulo Category:2023 in Brazilian sport Category:November 2023 sports events in Brazil Category:2023 in São Paulo