Talking to UFC Fight Night 88’s Thomas Almeida has a peculiar “Jekyll and Hyde” feel to it.

On one hand, you have the vicious striker who’s knocked out his past three UFC opponents in violent, bonus-worthy fashion. On the other, you have a soft-spoken, reserved 24-year-old with a polished speech and nothing but respect toward his opponents.

So far, they have coexisted in peace, guiding the undefeated Almeida to an impressive 20-fight winning streak – only one of which came via decision. But if you ask “Thominhas” what was responsible for making him one of the UFC’s fastest-rising stars, he knows it’s the former.

“I think it has to do with the way I fight,” Almeida told MMAjunkie. “I think people like the aggression in my striking. I just go out there to do what I know, and I do it with love.”

On Sunday at Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Almeida (20-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC) goes up against fellow undefeated bantamweight Cody Garbrandt (8-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) in a bout to determine the next big thing in the division. The scrap airs on FOX Sports 1 following early prelims on UFC Fight Pass.

“Happy and honored” to be featured on a main event in Las Vegas, Almeida is as determined as ever to keep it strictly business. Asked about his feelings in regards to Garbrandt’s “questionable chin” remarks, the Brazilian refused to take the bait.

His fight, he said, is inside the octagon. And, when it comes to that, he sees parallels between him and his foe.

“He is young, like me,” Almeida said. “He likes to strike, like me. He has knockout power, like me. It’s going to be a great show, and it has everything to be ‘Fight of the Night.’

“I think he’s going to start off trying to strike since he has a bunch of knockouts. But I have to be prepared for every situation, whether it’s striking, jiu-jitsu, wrestling. It’s a five-round fight, so I’m in no rush.”

While they might be the same age, Almeida has a leg up when it comes to experience. A professional fighter since 2011, he’s had more than twice as many pro bouts as Garbrandt. Since joining the UFC in 2014, the Brazilian bantamweight has ripped through his four opponents, finishing all but Tim Gorman in highlight-reel fashion.

With all of Almeida’s octagon performances, $50,000 post-fight bonuses ensued. Considering an exchange rate of more than 3.5 from the U.S. dollar to the Brazilian Real, the added $200,000 is not too shabby of an inflow for a fighter in his early 20s.

But don’t expect the Sao Paulo resident to be boasting expensive purchases, parties, or any semblance of a luxurious lifestyle on his Instagram feed. Much like everything else in his life, his income goes toward one goal.

“I don’t really think about bonuses,” Almeida said. “They are a plus, something on the side. What matters is the win. My focus is to get the belt, so I do what it takes to get there.

“I have to bring in trainers, sparring partners, doctors, supplements –whatever it takes to become champion.”

It’s with this same laser-sharp focus that Almeida approaches all the added pressure that comes with being a highly talked-about prospect. After being called out by a handful of colleagues – including John Dodson, Aljamain Sterling and Bryan Caraway – he is fine with having a target on his back.

“I think it’s normal,” Almeida said. “When you’re fighting, winning, getting exposure, people want to fight you.”

His fast-rising career might still be far from over, but that doesn’t stop the level-headed Almeida from thinking ahead.

“I worry about the future,” Almeida said. “I have that mindset. I know that fighters can’t do it for too long, so I try to go about things the right away.

“I want to make a name for myself, become champion, and in the future maybe open a gym. As long as I stay connected to fighting.”

For more on UFC Fight Night 88, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.