Almeida suffered a decision loss to Rizvan Kuniev on Saturday after a poor effort from the Brazilian. Almeida landed just 31 significant hits in the three-round rout, having landed just nine in a loss to Alexander Volkov in the previous fight.
So after two lackluster performances, MMA journalist Laerte Viana reported on X that the UFC is about to part ways with Almeida.
“I have just confirmed that the UFC has made the decision this afternoon. Malhadinho is leaving the organization after eight wins in eleven fights,” said Viana wrote on X.
Almeida’s release is a bit of a surprise as he was ranked eighth at heavyweight, but the promotion decided to move on after back-to-back losses.
Jailton Almeida planned to move back to light heavyweight
After coming off a loss to Kuniev at UFC Vegas 113, Jailton Almeida announced his plan to drop down to light heavyweight.
Almeida’s managers, Tiago Okamura and Leonardo Pateira, have confirmed this MMA fighting that the Brazilian has already informed the UFC of his intention to return to 205 pounds next. However, Almeida will not get a chance to return to light heavyweight as the promotion has parted ways.
Jailton Almeida last fought at light heavyweight in his UFC debut in February 2022, where he knocked out Danilo Marques in just under three minutes. And he has fought at heavyweight or catchweights ever since.
Almeida is 22-5 as a pro and 8-3 in the UFC. Before the back-to-back losses, he defeated Serghei Spivac in the first round and defeated Alexandr Romanov in the first round. The Brazilian headlined two UFC events, defeating Derrick Lewis by decision and submitting Jairzinho Rozenstruik. His other loss came by TKO against Curtis Blaydes, while he also recorded a notable victory over Shamil Abdurakhimov.
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