Brazilian mixed martial artist Jailton Almeida, once considered one of the most promising contenders in the UFC’s heavyweight division, appears to be at a turning point in his career.
Following a disappointing defeat at UFC Fight Night 266 against Rizvan Kuniev, multiple reports confirm that the promotion has decided to part ways with the 34-year-old veteran.
Almeida, known for his relentless grappling and physical prowess, entered the bout with Kuniev as a top-ranked heavyweight contender.
But after losing by unanimous decision, the Brazilian’s future within the UFC became uncertain.
With the organization reportedly preparing to release him in the coming days formally, this marks a dramatic change for a fighter who once looked poised for title contention.
From Contender to Free Agent: How It Happened
Almeida’s UFC career began in 2022 when he debuted with a stunning first-round finish against Danilo Marques.
Originally competing at light heavyweight, he quickly established himself as a powerful submission artist with a knack for finishing fights.
Over the next few years, his stock rose rapidly, driven by a string of impressive victories.
In his early UFC tenure, Almeida compiled an 8-3 record, showcasing his skills against notable opponents.
Among his memorable wins were stops against Derrick Lewis, Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Shamil Abdurakhimov, Alexandr Romanov, and Serghei Spivac.
These performances highlighted his wrestling dominance and finishing ability, making him one of the most exciting prospects in the division.
However, things began to shift as Almeida’s competition level increased. After a technical knockout loss to Curtis Blaydes in March 2024, Almeida managed to rebound with a pair of impressive first-round finishes.
But a split-decision defeat to Alexander Volkov at UFC 321 foreshadowed a challenging period in his career.
The latest setback came at UFC Vegas 113, where Almeida stepped in on short notice to face Kuniev.
Despite showcasing his trademark grappling skills, he failed to secure the victory on the judges’ scorecards, resulting in his second straight loss.
This sequence of performances ultimately prompted the UFC’s decision to release him from the roster.
What Led to the Release? A Closer Look
The UFC’s decision to release a top-10 contender like Almeida sparked debate among fans and analysts.
At 8-3 in the organization, with a long list of hard-earned victories, many expected Almeida to remain a fixture in the division. But recent results clearly influenced the company’s direction.
First, the losses themselves were significant. Facing elite opposition from Volkov and Kuniev, Almeida struggled to adapt his approach when the waters were deep.
Against Kuniev, in particular, Almeida landed fewer significant strikes and ultimately couldn’t convince the judges that he did enough to win.
His overall performance lacked the aggression and urgency that the UFC typically rewards, especially in the heavyweight ranks.
Some critics have claimed that Almeida’s style, often grappling-heavy and methodical, failed to excite the audience and matchmakers alike.
While his technical ability is unquestionable, the absence of consistent offensive output in recent fights may have played a role in how the UFC viewed his long-term value.
Almeida’s Reaction and Future Plans
Despite the setback, Almeida still sees a path forward. Before news of his release, he and his management indicated that he was considering a return to the light heavyweight division, where he began his UFC career.
Dropping back down to 205 pounds was seen as a move that might reinvigorate his career and potentially rebuild momentum in a division with different dynamics and serious title opportunities.
Whether that plan will still move ahead now that his UFC contract is ending remains to be seen.
Without a spot in the promotion, Almeida could choose to pursue opportunities in other organizations, such as the Professional Fighters League (PFL), Bellator MMA, or ONE Championship.
These platforms often offer experienced fighters a chance to rebuild their reputation and pursue championships outside the UFC.
What This Means for the UFC Heavyweight Division
Almeida’s departure underscores broader trends within the UFC’s heavyweight ranks. With recent roster changes and a handful of top fighters exiting or dropping out of title contention, the division is in a state of evolution.
Fighters like Tom Aspinall, Ciryl Gane, and Sergei Pavlovich continue to dominate headlines, while newcomers seize opportunities to rise through the ranks.
For the UFC, releasing a high-profile contender like Almeida reflects a willingness to reshape its heavyweight lineup, perhaps prioritizing fighters whose styles resonate more with fans or who are on consistent win streaks.
This shift could open the door for fresh talent to emerge and redefine what it takes to be successful in the promotion’s biggest weight class.
Almeida’s Legacy and What Comes Next
Jailton Almeida’s run in the UFC may have ended sooner than many expected, but his legacy as a fierce competitor and an elite grappler remains intact.
His victories against respected heavyweights and his rise through the ranks are testaments to his skill and dedication.
Now, as he transitions to a new phase of his career, fans around the world will be watching closely. Whether he pursues success in other promotions or fights to return to the UFC someday.