Who Should Jailton Almeida Face in His 205-Pound Comeback?
Jailton Almeida is set to make a significant comeback to the UFC light heavyweight division after moving down from heavyweight. This decision follows two consecutive defeat that sparked criticism over his performance. Almeida’s co-manager, Leonardo Pateira, confirmed this news on the Brazilian podcast “ConnectCast.”
Almeida’s UFC Journey
Jailton Almeida began his UFC career after an impressive record of 13-2 in the Brazilian regional circuit, with all wins achieved by stoppage. He gained recognition after joining Dana White’s Contender Series. Almeida debuted in the Octagon at light heavyweight, securing a first-round TKO victory over Danilo Marques.
His next standout performance was against Parker Porter, where he stepped in for Maxim Grishin and won via a first-round rear-naked choke. This victory led Almeida to transition to the heavyweight division, where he achieved multiple bonus-winning finishes. His expected fight against Curtis Blaydes later changed to a matchup with Derrick Lewis. In this fight, despite dominating with a record 21:10 ground control time, Almeida faced criticism for his cautious strategy. He eventually lost to Blaydes in their meeting.
After some ups and downs, Almeida secured victories over Alexander Romanov and Serghei Spivac, positioning himself for a significant bout against Alexander Volkov. However, despite controlling the ground for 11 minutes, he lost by decision due to a lack of significant strikes landed. His most recent bout resulted in another decision loss against Rizvan Kuniev.
Returning to Light Heavyweight: Potential Opponents for Almeida
Almeida’s return to the light heavyweight realm raises the question of potential matchups. This division is filled with dynamic contenders ready for a challenge. Two plausible opponents include:
- Dustin Jacoby: Ranked 14th in the light heavyweight category, Jacoby previously secured a knockout victory against Julius Walker. He boasts experience and striking power, bringing a testing dynamic to Almeida’s return.
- Modestas Bukauskas: Following a defeat against Nikita Krylov at UFC 324, Bukauskas is also in need of a victory. Both fighters aim to regain credibility in a stacked division that awaits news on champion Alex Pereira’s next move.
Implications of Almeida’s Move
Almeida’s return to light heavyweight is crucial for his career trajectory. Once seen as a promising heavyweight, recent underwhelming performances put his reputation at stake. The pressure of being Brazil’s next heavyweight star appears to have impacted his performance.
Ultimately, Almeida’s forthcoming fight will be pivotal. It is a defining moment that could reset his career and reaffirm his status in the UFC.
