Here’s a shocking truth for MMA fans: Jailton Almeida, once a rising star in the UFC’s heavyweight division, has been released from his contract following a disappointing loss at UFC Vegas 113. But here’s where it gets controversial—was this decision fair, or did the UFC act too hastily? Let’s dive in.
Brazilian journalist Guilherme Cruz, a seasoned voice in combat sports since 2008, broke the news alongside Laerte Viana, confirming that Almeida is no longer under contract with the UFC. The 34-year-old heavyweight, who stepped in on short notice to replace Ryan Spann, suffered a unanimous decision loss to Rizvan Kuniev. This marked his second consecutive defeat, following a split decision loss to Alexander Volkov at an Abu Dhabi pay-per-view event. Despite his impressive 8-3 record with the UFC and an 87% finishing rate—including victories over notables like Jairzinho Rozenstruik and Shamil Abdurakhimov—Almeida’s recent lackluster performances seem to have sealed his fate.
And this is the part most people miss: Almeida had already announced his intention to return to the light heavyweight division before his release. Will he make the cut to 205 pounds for another promotion, or is this the end of his UFC-level career? It’s a question that lingers as fans and analysts debate his potential.
What’s truly surprising is that, despite his setbacks, Almeida remained ranked No. 8 in the UFC’s official heavyweight rankings just days after UFC Vegas 113. This raises a bold question: Did the UFC prioritize short-term results over long-term potential? Or was this a necessary move to make room for fresher talent? Almeida’s wins over Alexandr Romanov and Serghei Spivac, along with his main event victory against Derrick Lewis in Brazil, suggest he’s far from finished. Yet, three underwhelming performances in his last five fights clearly factored into the UFC’s decision.
As we reflect on Almeida’s UFC journey, it’s hard not to wonder: Is the UFC’s cutthroat approach to roster management fair to fighters who take risks, like stepping in on short notice? Or should fighters like Almeida have seen this coming? Share your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s far from over.
