Jailton Jesus Almeida Júnior Bio
Jailton Jesus Almeida Júnior is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist competing in the Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). As of November 25, 2025, he is ranked #6 in the UFC heavyweight rankings. Known by his ring name Malhadinho, Almeida has built a reputation for his grappling skills and submission victories in the octagon.
Early Life and Background
Jailton Almeida was born on June 28, 1991, in the Brotas neighborhood of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. Initially aspiring to become a football player, financial constraints prevented him from pursuing this dream. Instead, he followed his father’s footsteps into combat sports, beginning boxing training at age six and Brazilian jiu-jitsu at eleven. Almeida faced financial difficulties growing up, which led him to work as a doorman and guard while nurturing his ambition to become a professional fighter.
He is the son of divorced parents and has eleven siblings. His older brother Alexandre disappeared after involvement with criminal activities and was never seen again. Almeida currently resides in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, and holds a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He fights with an orthodox stance and has a reach of 201 centimeters and a height of 193 centimeters.
Path to MMA
Almeida began his professional mixed martial arts career in 2012, initially competing in the welterweight division. Over time, he progressed through the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions before settling into the heavyweight category in 2019. His early career was marked by competing in the Brazilian regional circuit, where he amassed a record of 13 wins and 2 losses. This success paved the way for higher-profile opportunities.
His breakthrough came after winning the Thunder Fight title, which earned him an invitation to Dana White’s Contender Series 39 in 2021. There, he secured a victory via second-round submission against Nasrudin Nasrudinov, earning a contract with the UFC. This marked the beginning of his ascent on the international stage.
Jailton Almeida Career
Early Career (2012–2021)
Starting in 2012, Almeida competed primarily in Brazil’s regional MMA circuits. His early years saw him develop a strong grappling base, reflected in his high number of submission wins. By 2021, he had built a professional record of 13–2, showcasing his potential as a formidable submission specialist. His performances caught the attention of the UFC, leading to his appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2021–Present)
Almeida made his UFC debut on February 5, 2022, against Danilo Marques at UFC Fight Night 200, winning by technical knockout in the first round. Initially scheduled to face Maxim Grishin in May 2022, Almeida moved up to heavyweight to fight Parker Porter after Grishin withdrew. He won via first-round rear-naked choke submission, demonstrating his grappling dominance in the heavyweight division.
Throughout late 2022 and 2023, Almeida continued to impress with multiple victories, including wins over Anton Turkalj, Shamil Abdurakhimov, and Jairzinho Rozenstruik. He earned several Performance of the Night bonuses for his submission and technical knockout finishes. In November 2023, he defeated Derrick Lewis via unanimous decision, setting a UFC heavyweight record for ground control time in a bout.
In March 2024, Almeida faced Curtis Blaydes but suffered a knockout loss in the second round. He rebounded with a first-round submission win over Alexander Romanov in June 2024 and a technical knockout victory against Serghei Spivac in January 2025, earning another Performance of the Night award. In October 2025, Almeida lost a split decision to Alexander Volkov at UFC 321.
LG System Era (2022–Present)
Since joining the LG System team, Almeida has refined his grappling and striking skills, contributing to his rise in the heavyweight rankings. His partnership with his team has been instrumental in his preparation and in-cage strategy. Almeida’s current form reflects a fighter capable of controlling opponents on the ground while maintaining effective striking to finish fights.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Almeida is known for his exceptional Brazilian jiu-jitsu skills, holding a black belt in the discipline. His fighting style emphasizes grappling control, submissions, and ground dominance. He effectively uses his reach and size to secure takedowns and maintain pressure, often overwhelming opponents with his ground game. His orthodox stance complements his strategic approach to striking and clinch work.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Almeida’s career highlights are his multiple Performance of the Night awards in the UFC and setting the record for the most ground control time in a heavyweight bout. His victory over Derrick Lewis in 2023 marked a significant milestone, showcasing his ability to control high-profile opponents. Almeida’s rapid rise through multiple weight classes to become a top-ranked heavyweight is a testament to his adaptability and skill.
Jailton Almeida Career Wins
Jailton Almeida has accumulated a total of 22 wins in his professional MMA career, with 13 coming by submission, 2 by knockout, and 2 by decision. His record reflects his grappling prowess and finishing ability, particularly in the UFC heavyweight division where he has made a strong impact.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Highlights
Since joining the UFC in 2021, Almeida has secured numerous victories, including notable submission wins against Parker Porter and Alexander Romanov. His first UFC win came via technical knockout against Danilo Marques in 2022. Almeida’s most recent UFC win was a technical knockout against Serghei Spivac in early 2025. He has consistently demonstrated his ability to perform in high-stakes bouts, earning multiple performance bonuses.
Other Wins & Performances
Before joining the UFC, Almeida achieved success in the Brazilian regional MMA scene, including capturing the Thunder Fight title. His early career featured a strong submission game that laid the foundation for his UFC success. His progression through multiple weight classes highlights his versatility and commitment to growth as a fighter.
Jailton Almeida Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Almeida comes from a large family with eleven siblings. He experienced personal challenges, including the disappearance of his older brother Alexandre. Details about his marital status or children are not publicly available. Almeida’s upbringing in Salvador, Brazil, and his family’s influence played a significant role in his pursuit of a fighting career.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Jailton Almeida continued to compete actively in the UFC heavyweight division. He secured a technical knockout win over Serghei Spivac at UFC 311, earning a Performance of the Night bonus. Later in the year, he faced Alexander Volkov at UFC 321 but lost via split decision. Almeida’s performances in 2025 have kept him within the top tier of the heavyweight rankings, maintaining his position as a contender. His ongoing development and team support suggest he remains a significant presence in the division moving forward.