Jailton Almeida, a Brazilian mixed martial artist, has quickly announced his next career move after being cut from the UFC roster just nine days ago. Despite holding a solid 8-3 record in the Octagon and being ranked among the UFC heavyweights, Almeida’s release caught many in the MMA world off guard due to his competitive standing and prior contract earned through Dana White’s Contender Series. He addressed his departure on Saturday, committing to a strong comeback as he looks ahead to his new chapter fighting under a different promotion.
Instead of signing with the widely speculated Professional Fighters League (PFL), Almeida has agreed to a contract with Absolute Championship Akhmat (ACA), a premier Russian-based organization considered one of the leading MMA promotions in Europe. Although the exact terms of Almeida’s new deal, as well as his debut opponent and fight date, remain undisclosed, this confirmation provides clarity on his immediate future following the unexpected UFC exit.
Initially, Almeida had planned to drop down to light heavyweight if he remained with the UFC, but recent reports indicate he will continue competing as a heavyweight with ACA. This decision sets his sights on challenging the current ACA heavyweight champion, Alikhan Vakhaev, as he works to rebuild momentum.
“Jailton Almeida has a new home. He’s signed with ACAMultiple sources say there were brief discussions with PFL, but instead it’s off to Russia!” – Nolan King, MMA Reporter
Challenging Circumstances in the UFC Heavyweight Division
The UFC heavyweight division is facing difficulties entering 2026, with champion Tom Aspinall sidelined by injury and much of the division’s roster seen as lacking elite caliber. Almeida’s release, despite these circumstances, surprised many, particularly because he remains technically superior to many contenders in his weight class. However, his recent losses and a perception of an unexciting fighting style may have played a significant role in the UFC’s decision to cut him.
The UFC’s increasing emphasis on entertainment value appears to have influenced not only Almeida’s departure but also the exit of undefeated welterweight Rinat Fakhretdinov last year. These roster changes highlight a trend in UFC’s prioritization, where competitive skill sometimes yields to marketability in roster decisions.
Possibility of Jailton Almeida’s Return to the UFC
Despite the current setback, Almeida’s path back to the UFC is not closed. Given the UFC heavyweight division’s weakened state, strong performances in ACA could be enough for him to regain a UFC contract. The opportunity remains for Almeida to show his capabilities outside the UFC spotlight and potentially force a return to the world’s leading mixed martial arts organization.
As Almeida embarks on this new phase with ACA, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if he can recapture his form and challenge the division’s top competitors, possibly positioning himself for an eventual UFC comeback.
Jailton Almeida has a new home. He's signed with ACA
Multiple sources say there were brief discussions with PFL, but instead it's off to Russia! pic.twitter.com/Q9U32pOPbG
— Nolan King (@mma_kings) February 21, 2026
