Jailton Almeida Malhadinho

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Fighter bio

Jailton Almeida – General Profile

Jailton "Malhadinho" Almeida is a Brazilian heavyweight (and former light heavyweight) mixed martial artist competing in the UFC. Known for his elite grappling, athleticism, and submission prowess, Almeida has quickly risen through the heavyweight ranks as one of the division’s most dominant ground fighters.

Born on June 28, 1991, in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, Almeida represents a new wave of Brazilian talent, bringing explosive jiu-jitsu and relentless pressure into every fight.

MMA Career

Almeida first gained attention through Dana White's Contender Series in 2021, where he secured a contract with a quick and dominant submission win. He started his UFC career at light heavyweight but soon transitioned to heavyweight, where his speed, strength, and grappling translated even more effectively.

He quickly racked up wins over fighters such as Shamil Abdurakhimov, Jairzinho Rozenstruik, and Derrick Lewis, showcasing his ability to dominate larger opponents with superior technique and control. Almeida is especially dangerous once the fight hits the ground, often securing takedowns early and keeping opponents there until he finds a submission or finishes with ground-and-pound.

Despite a slower-paced fight against Derrick Lewis that drew some criticism, his overall dominance and control made it clear that he’s a serious threat to the heavyweight elite.

Personal Life

Outside of the cage, Almeida is humble and focused on his craft. Coming from a modest background in Salvador, he has worked his way up through Brazil’s regional MMA scene. He often credits his jiu-jitsu background for keeping him grounded and disciplined in life and training.

He trains out of the Fighting Nerds team in Brazil and frequently travels to improve his skill set and broaden his experience. Almeida is also proud of representing Brazil on the world stage and often speaks about inspiring future generations of fighters from his region.

Fighting Style

Almeida’s fighting style is centered around elite grappling and submission control. His takedowns are smooth and explosive, and once on the ground, he maintains heavy top pressure and looks for finishes with either submissions (especially rear-naked chokes and armbars) or ground-and-pound.

While his striking is still developing, his timing and ability to close distance make up for any lack of volume. Almeida rarely allows fights to stay standing for long, preferring to drag opponents into his world on the mat.

Recent Developments

As of 2025, Jailton Almeida remains undefeated in the UFC and continues to climb the heavyweight rankings. While he has yet to fight for a title, his dominant performances have put him on a short list of potential future challengers.

With a unique style in the heavyweight division and a relentless approach, Jailton "Malhadinho" Almeida is seen by many as a future champion in the making.