UFC Release Jailton Almeida After Second Straight Loss

Malhadinho, Jailton Almeida, has reportedly been released from the UFC following his loss this past weekend at UFC Vegas 113.

The Brazilian heavyweight holds a professional record of 22-5, with a UFC record of 8-3 and is currently ranked #8 at heavyweight. Almeida becomes the fourth ranked heavyweight in the past year to be cut by the UFC, with Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Martin Buday and Alexandr Romanov all being shown the door. Despite not being a strong division blessed with depth, Dana White and co seem to be going cold on the heavyweight division in recent times.

Jailton Almeida Cut from the UFC

Recent UFC Run

This news comes as a surprise to many after Jailton Almeida recently announced a move back down to light heavyweight in an attempt to rediscover his lost form. Prior to his recent back-to-back losses, the Brazilian was a dominant force in the UFC’s biggest division.

Bursting onto the scene after a phenomenal performance on the Contender Series, Almeida went 6-0, including wins over Rozenstruik and former title challenger, Derrick Lewis.

He suffered his first promotional loss at the hands of Curtis Blaydes in 2024. After a dominant first round, Blaydes was able to turn the tables on Almedia and finish him early in the second round.

Almeida would bounce back with back-to-back finishes, including a performance of the night-winning TKO over Serghei Spivac.

His last two outings have fallen extremely flat, however. Taking on Alexander Volkov at a pivotal time in the heavyweight division, Almeida was so risk-averse that it was boring. He landed an impressive seven takedowns; however, did nothing with them. He lay on top of Volkov, clocked up 10:47 control time, but landed just 27 strikes and only attempted 33. Almeida must be reminded that this is a damage business. The more damage, the more likely you are to win a fight.

It’s worth remembering that he stepped in on short notice this past weekend against Rizvan Kuniev to save the Russian’s place on the card. It’s also worth noting that he took on a proven drug cheat in Kuniev. The performance was extremely lacklustre and isn’t one that anyone will go back and watch a second time, however, did it warrant Jailton Almeida being cut?

He still has plenty to offer the UFC heavyweight or light heavyweight division and it does seem harsh. Yes, he’s 0-2, however, let’s not forget that Tai Tuivasa is still on the UFC roster…

Austen Lane 1-4 in the UFC, unentertaining fights.
Tai Tuivasa 6 losses on the bounce, horrible last fight.
At 205, Jamahal Hill 0-3 with a dreadful last fight.
Aleksandar Rakic 4 losses on the bounce, 3 finishes.

MAKE IT MAKE SENSE https://t.co/jf29TzqOza

— Frazer Krohn (@frazerkrohn_) February 12, 2026