UFC 334: Almeida steps up as replacement after Susurkaev withdraws

A new fighter has been announced for UFC 334 after undefeated prospect Baisangur Susurkaev withdrew from the November 14 card, scheduled to hold at Madison Square Garden. Cesar Almeida has now agreed to step in against Donte Johnson on short notice.

Susurkaev was scheduled to face Johnson in a matchup between two unbeaten men. The Russian entered with a 12-0 record, while Johnson had won all nine of his professional fights. 

Almeida, however, brings a very different profile to the bout, entering with a 7-3 record and a 3-3 mark in the UFC.

The Brazilian earned his UFC contract through Dana White’s Contender Series in 2023 and started his UFC career with a first-round knockout of Dylan Budka in 2024. 

He has since lost two consecutive fights, including a first-round knockout against Damian Pinas at UFC 329 in July.

Almeida will now look to halt that run when he faces Johnson, who has won three straight since earning his UFC contract through Contender Series. 

The American remains unbeaten at 9-0 and has immense wrestling skills during his rise through the middleweight division.

The change also gives the fight a different stylistic matchup. Almeida is a former elite kickboxer with dangerous hands and considerable experience on the feet, while Johnson has shown he can combine striking with takedowns. 

Johnson will have to manage Almeida’s power while looking for opportunities to take the fight to the ground.

The matchup is still pending final contract signatures, but if completed, Almeida will take on one of the division’s rising prospects on short notice.

The fight gives Johnson a chance to extend his unbeaten record against a more experienced UFC opponent. Almeida, meanwhile, will be looking to get his UFC career back on track after consecutive losses.

The change comes as UFC 334 continues to take shape, with Ciryl Gane vs Josh Hokit set to headline the November 14 event at Madison Square Garden.