Jailton Almeida, known as a dominant grappler in the heavyweight division, has officially joined Absolute Championship Akhmat (ACA) with a contract for four fights. The Brazilian fighter made this decision following his UFC departure, choosing ACA over other major opportunities in combat sports to prioritize stability and a path forward in his career.
Offers from Leading Promotions and a Netflix Event on the Table
After leaving the UFC, Almeida attracted offers from several significant organizations including PFL, RIZIN, KSW, and OKTAGON, each with extensive global reach. One of the most notable proposals he declined was a high-profile matchup against former UFC Heavyweight Champion Junior Dos Santos, scheduled to be streamed on Netflix under MostV Promotions on May 16th — an event that promised considerable exposure.
🚨 Jailton Almeida passed on multiple offers after his UFC departure, including an offer to fight Junior Dos Santos on Netflix for @MostVpromotions on May 16th but would instead sign a 4-fight deal with ACA. Almeida had spoke with multiple other promotions as well: ✅ PFL ✅… pic.twitter.com/OlJWxx8v3g — COMBAT SPORTS TODAY (@CSTodayNews) February 22, 2026
Choosing ACA for Long-Term Growth and Competition
Almeida’s decision to sign with ACA demonstrates a strategic direction aimed at career longevity. ACA has built a reputation for fostering highly competitive fights outside the UFC and PFL ecosystems, particularly in Eastern Europe, featuring a strong roster of heavyweights. The four-fight contract promises a solid foundation for Almeida to rebuild his standing and pursue heavyweight championship goals.
Looking Ahead: Almeida’s Path to Reclaiming Heavyweight Prestige
At 32 years old, Almeida remains in a prime phase of his fighting career, having posted an 8-3 record inside the UFC Octagon with flashes of elite potential. Although the UFC has moved on, ACA’s roster presents fresh challenges and opportunities for him to reaffirm his position among top heavyweights. While the anticipated battle with Junior Dos Santos on Netflix would have attracted vast viewership, Almeida’s choice reflects confidence in a measured, long-term comeback step within ACA.
By focusing on consistent, dominant performances in ACA, Almeida aims to regain his stature as a formidable contender on the global MMA stage.
🚨 Jailton Almeida passed on multiple offers after his UFC departure, including an offer to fight Junior Dos Santos on Netflix for @MostVpromotions on May 16th but would instead sign a 4-fight deal with ACA.
Almeida had spoke with multiple other promotions as well:
✅ PFL
✅… pic.twitter.com/OlJWxx8v3g— COMBAT SPORTS TODAY (@CSTodayNews) February 22, 2026
