Jailton
Almeida wants to help Tom
Aspinall add some fun to the heavyweight division.
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The interim heavyweight champion recently expressed some
frustration following a lackluster fight between Sergei
Pavlovich and Jairzinho
Rozenstruik at UFC
Saudi Arabia
„Heavyweight fights have been horrible lately. Let’s bring back the
entertainment and stop holding the division back,“ wrote the
British fighter on his Instagram Stories.
Almeida, who is coming off back-to-back first-round finishes of
Alexander
Romanov and Serghei
Spivac, offered his services for a fight against Aspinall.
“[Did] I read excitement? 22 wins in my career, 21 finishes (eight
knockouts, 13 submissions), nine UFC wins, eight finishes (three
knockouts, five submissions). I think I meet the requirements.
Champ, if Jones doesn’t make a deal with the UFC, I’m here and I’m
ready. Let’s do it!“ wrote Almeida while tagging Aspinall, UFC CEO
Dana White and matchmaker Mick Maynard.
I read excitement?
22 wins in my career , 21 finish (8 KO, 13 SUB)
9 wins in UFC, 8 finishs (3 KO, 5 SUB)I think I meet the requirements
Champ, if Jones doesnt make a deal with the UFC, im here and im
ready. Lets do it@AspinallMMA
@danawhite
@Mickmaynard2
https://t.co/bqGAVhUEw4— Jailton Almeida “Malhadinho” (@Malhadinho_UFC)
February 1, 2025
Shortly after the post, Sherdog.com contacted “Malhadinho” to
asking what he thought about the possibility of facing
Pavlovich.
“It would be an interesting fight since he is above me in the
rankings and already faced Aspinall, even coming from two defeats
before Jairzinho,” Almeida said. “But I saw his manager posting
something about [Ciryl] Gane being his next challenge. Let’s see
what UFC thinks about it. I´m more than available.”
Almeida also expressed interest in being the backup fighter for a
potential heavyweight title unification bout between Jones and
Aspinall. Thus far, there is no word regarding a date for Jones vs.
Aspinall, though White has previously guaranteed the fight will
happen at some point in 2025.
“It would be a privilege to be the reserve for this fight,” Almeida
said. “If UFC needs me, I’m here.”
Almeida was surprised by the recent release of Rozenstruik, who had
won three of his last four before falling to Pavlovich.
“I couldn’t understand the UFC’s decision. I think everybody was
surprised,” he said. “Besides being No. 9 in the [UFC] rankings,
Jairzinho was coming from two wins and he always delivered exciting
fights.”