Jailton Almeida Aims for UFC Heavyweight Championship Opportunity in 2024

Jailton Almeida announced his presence to the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s heavyweight division in a major way on Saturday.

“Maladinho” made short work of Jairzinho Rozenstruik in the UFC on ABC 4 main event, winning via rear-naked choke 3:43 into the opening round of their encounter at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C. It was a dominant performance that saw the Brazilian take his foe down with relative ease, advance position and lock in the fight-ending maneuver when the opportunity presented itself. Almeida has won 13 straight professional fights — including five within the Las Vegas-based promotion. It was exactly the type of showing that could help fast-track Almeida to the top of the division.

“This guy looks like he’s going to be a star in the heavyweight division….” UFC president Dana White said at Saturday’s post-fight press conference.

“His double leg is insane. When he gets that top position, he doesn’t screw around. He goes in there and tries to finish. I have a lot of high hopes for this kid. I think he’s going to be something special.”

Almeida, meanwhile, already has his next step mapped out as he attempts to climb higher in the weight class.

“Of course, UFC Abu Dhabi or UFC Brazil around October [should be next],” Almeida said. “I want Tai Tuivasa. Either he comes to Brazil and feels the energy down there, or perhaps go to Abu Dhabi, where I heard he actually does his camps. So no worries, we can do that. We’ll make the effort and go to him.”

The 31-year-old isn’t expecting to rush to a title shot, however. In an ideal world, he’ll reach that goal sometime next year.

“I’m taking this as a ladder full of steps, and I’m very happy to be looking into the top 10 right now and by the end of the year make it to seventh or sixth,” Almeida said. “Then next year maybe go and shoot for the title we all dream of.”