The UFC has ended its relationship with heavyweight contender Jailton Almeida shortly after his poorly received performance at UFC Vegas 113 last week, marking an unexpected conclusion to his time with the promotion despite a recently extended contract. This development comes amid a wave of critical assessments regarding Almeida’s recent showings inside the octagon.
Almeida’s Record and Recent Struggles Lead to Release
Previously ranked sixth in the UFC heavyweight division, Jailton Almeida departs with an 8-3 record under the UFC banner after suffering back-to-back losses that stalled his ascent toward title contention. The 34-year-old Brazilian grappler’s release surprised many, particularly since he had just agreed to a new contract extension before accepting a short-notice bout against Serghei Kuniev at the February event.
Reports indicate Almeida had only one fight left on his original UFC contract but signed a new deal when he took the Kuniev fight on brief notice. Despite the promotion often rewarding fighters who accept last-minute fights, Almeida’s recent performances failed to convince UFC officials to maintain him on the roster.
One bit of info here: Jailton Almeida had 1 left on his deal with the UFC but signed a new contract when he agreed to fight Kuniev on short notice last week. https://t.co/4tSmopsFQd
— Guilherme Cruz
Almeida’s Style, Previous Success, and the Impact of Recent Losses
Known for his grappling dominance and aggressive pace, Almeida established himself in the UFC through multiple submission victories, earning six performance bonuses throughout his tenure. His ability to finish fights on the ground had made him a feared opponent in the heavyweight division. However, the consecutive losses exposed weaknesses that seemingly accelerated the UFC’s decision to cut ties.
This move underscores the promotion’s increasingly stringent approach to roster management, where even fighters with solid records and recent contract extensions are vulnerable if their on-cage performances decline sharply. Almeida’s release exemplifies the organization’s unwillingness to retain ranked competitors who fail to maintain winning momentum.
Future Outlook for Almeida and the Heavyweight Division
Almeida’s departure from the UFC opens new pathways for the Brazilian athlete to rebuild his career through other organizations such as the Professional Fighters League (PFL) or overseas promotions where his grappling-centric fighting style may find greater success. At 34, he still has time to recover his form and potentially return to the UFC, provided he addresses the issues that led to his recent setbacks.
Meanwhile, the heavyweight division is poised for a reshuffle in rankings following Almeida’s exit, as other emerging contenders prepare to fill the vacancy and climb closer to contender status.
The UFC has parted ways with previously No. 6 ranked Jailton Almeida after his highly criticized performance at #UFCVegas113.
Almeida had a record of 8-3 in the UFC, but suffered back-to-back losses. pic.twitter.com/fCWjrOqVRx
— Uncrowned
The UFC has parted ways with previously No. 6 ranked Jailton Almeida after his highly criticized performance at #UFCVegas113.
Almeida had a record of 8-3 in the UFC, but suffered back-to-back losses. pic.twitter.com/fCWjrOqVRx
— Uncrowned (@uncrownedcombat) February 12, 2026
One bit of info here: Jailton Almeida had 1 left on his deal with the UFC but signed a new contract when he agreed to fight Kuniev on short notice last week. https://t.co/4tSmopsFQd
— Guilherme Cruz (@guicruzzz) February 12, 2026
