Jailton Almeida Rewarded With New Multi-Fight UFC Deal After Gazumping Jairzinho Rozenstruik

Jailton Almeida is set to continue his rise up the UFC rankings after signing a new multi-fight deal with the promotion.

“Malhadinho” is fresh off his first main event booking where he took on Jairzinho Rozenstruik at UFC on ABC 4 in Charlotte, NC. “Bigi Boy” was supposed to provide a significant step up in competition for Almeida, but Rozenstruik proved no match for the Brazilian’s ground game and was submitted in the opening round.

According to Nolan King, Almeida’s manager Leonardo Pateira recently confirmed the Brazilian has committed to a new deal with the sport’s leading promotion.

Jailton Almeida has signed a new multi-fight deal with the #UFC, per his manager Leonardo Pateira. pic.twitter.com/eePNvUaVxn

— Nolan King (@mma_kings) May 19, 2023

Jailton Almeida Rising Quickly Through The UFC’s Heavyweight Division

Almeida fought on Contender Series as a light heavyweight and made his UFC debut in the same weight class, but over his last few fights the 31-year-old has established himself as a serious threat in the heavyweight division.

Shamil Adburakhimov is the only opponent to make it past the first round with Almeida in the UFC, but he was still stopped with strikes during the second frame. All of the Brazilian’s other UFC opponents have fallen inside the first round, with three of those wins coming via rear-naked choke.

Almeida has finished every opponent he’s faced in the UFC. (Jim Dedmon/USA TODAY Sports)

The UFC’s heavyweight division experienced a considerable shakeup this year with Francis Ngannou exiting the promotion before Jon Jones claimed the vacant title at UFC 285. “Bones” needed just over two minutes to submit Ciryl Gane in that fight, and seeing a former light heavyweight with considerable grappling skills have success at heavyweight is certainly promising for Almeida’s prospects in the weight class.

Jones is of course on the short list of fighters that could be considered the GOAT of MMA, while Almeida is still early in his career with the UFC and has plenty left to prove. The 31-year-old is now the promotion’s #9-ranked heavyweight following his win over Rozenstruik, and another win over a top-ranked fighter could put him within striking distance of a possible title shot.

Read Also: Jon Jones Mocks Francis Ngannou’s PFL Signing, Blasts ‘Baddest Man On The Planet’ Claim

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