Brazilian heavyweight Jailton Almeida has reportedly been released from the UFC following his loss at UFC Vegas 113. Almeida, known as Malhadinho, had a professional record of 22 wins and 5 losses, including an 8-3 record inside the UFC, where he was ranked eighth in the heavyweight division prior to his departure. This move marks another shakeup in the heavier weight classes, as Almeida joins Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Martin Buday, and Alexandr Romanov, all of whom have been cut in the past year despite the division’s limited depth.
Examining Almeida’s UFC Career and Recent Challenges
Almeida’s release comes as a surprise to many fans and analysts after he recently announced plans to drop back down to light heavyweight in hopes of regaining his earlier dominance. Initially, Almeida made an impressive impact in the UFC, bursting onto the scene after a standout performance on the Contender Series. He started UFC competition with an undefeated 6-0 streak, scoring notable victories over Jairzinho Rozenstruik and former title challenger Derrick Lewis.
His first UFC defeat came in 2024 when Curtis Blaydes beat him in a second-round finish after Almeida controlled the opening round. Following that setback, Almeida responded positively with two consecutive finishes, including a TKO over Serghei Spivac that earned him a Performance of the Night bonus.
However, his momentum dried up in his last two fights. Against Alexander Volkov, Almeida displayed a highly cautious approach, prioritizing control over striking damage. Despite securing seven takedowns and spending over 10 minutes on top, he managed just 27 strikes during the entire bout. This defensive strategy failed to impress critics who emphasize that effective striking and damage are vital to winning fights and entertaining the audience.
Most recently, Almeida accepted a short-notice fight against Rizvan Kuniev to keep the Russian on the event card, facing a fighter with a history of performance-enhancing drug violations. His performance was widely regarded as uninspiring and lacked the urgency needed, raising questions about whether his removal from the UFC roster was justified, especially considering his potential contributions to both the heavyweight and light heavyweight divisions.
Controversy Over Heavyweight Cuts Highlights Division Instability
The decision to cut Almeida has sparked debate among fans and insiders, particularly given that other fighters with poor recent records remain on the roster. MMA journalist Frazer Krohn pointed out the UFC’s inconsistent roster choices, listing fighters with multiple consecutive losses who are still retained:
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
— Frazer Krohn, MMA journalist
This highlights the uneasy state of the heavyweight division, which has recently experienced several roster changes despite not being a particularly deep or competitive weight class. The moves suggest UFC president Dana White and his team are taking a harsher stance on fighters who do not consistently deliver exciting performances or wins, even if those fighters had previously shown promise.
What Lies Ahead for Almeida and the UFC Heavyweight Landscape
Although Jailton Almeida’s future in the UFC is now uncertain, his skill set and prior achievements suggest he could still be an impactful competitor in either heavyweight or light heavyweight divisions. The UFC’s recent wave of cuts raises questions about the division’s overall health and the criteria used for fighters’ retention or release. Fans will be watching closely to see if Almeida pursues opportunities outside the UFC or manages to return in the future.
Moving forward, the UFC heavyweight division may continue to experience instability as the promotion seeks to balance performance expectations with the need for engaging matchups. Almeida’s departure underscores the pressures fighters face to both win consistently and entertain, especially in a division that has seen several once-ranked contenders released over the last year.
Acabei de apurar que o UFC tomou a decisão na tarde de hoje. Malhadinho deixa a organização após oito vitórias em 11 lutas. Já adianto que achei a decisão bizarra. E vocês? pic.twitter.com/BubHLKd30z
— Laerte Viana (@laertevianamma) February 12, 2026
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
