UFC Fighter Jailton Almeida Struggles with Passion for Fighting

The world-class heavyweight prospect has lost two straight fights due to a lack of motivation and interest in competing.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Jailton Almeida is a physically gifted UFC heavyweight prospect with an exceptional finishing rate of 95%. However, despite his athletic abilities, Almeida has developed a reputation for refusing to engage in ground strikes and appearing disinterested in actually fighting. In his latest loss to Rizvan Kuniev, Almeida's flaccid performance and lack of motivation were on full display, leading to speculation that the UFC may cut him due to his 'boring' fighting style despite his potential.

Why it matters

The UFC heavyweight division is currently lacking in top-tier talent, so the promotion can ill afford to lose a prospect like Almeida who has the physical tools to potentially become a champion. However, Almeida's apparent disinterest in fighting and unwillingness to fully commit himself to the sport raises questions about his long-term future in the UFC.

The details

Almeida is an exceptionally athletic heavyweight with fast-twitch explosiveness and the ability to go five rounds without cardio issues. He has a dominant wrestling game and an impressive 95% finishing rate. Yet, despite his physical gifts, Almeida has developed a reputation for refusing to engage in ground strikes and appearing disinterested once he secures dominant positions. This passive approach cost him a decision loss to Alexander Volkov, and in his most recent fight against Rizvan Kuniev, Almeida seemed unfazed by the prospect of losing, rarely turning up the intensity even as the fight slipped away.

  • Almeida has lost two straight fights in the UFC.
  • His most recent loss to Kuniev occurred on February 7, 2026.

The players

Jailton Almeida

A physically gifted UFC heavyweight prospect with an exceptional 95% finishing rate, but has developed a reputation for being disinterested in actually fighting.

Rizvan Kuniev

The unranked heavyweight who defeated Almeida in their recent fight.

Dana White

The president of the UFC, who may consider cutting Almeida due to his 'boring' fighting style despite his potential.

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What they’re saying

“Almeida spent more of his time looking at the clock or complaining to the referee about the clinch, a situation he had the tools and energy to change himself.”

— Andrew Richardson, Author (yahoo.com)

“There is a realistic chance that Dana White and the UFC brass cut Almeida after this pair of losses. The division really can't afford to give away any Heavyweight talent, but the UFC also doesn't like 'boring' fighters like Almeida.”

— Andrew Richardson, Author (yahoo.com)

What’s next

It remains to be seen whether the UFC will decide to keep Almeida on the roster or release him due to his lack of motivation and 'boring' fighting style.

The takeaway

Jailton Almeida's case highlights the challenges the UFC faces in developing and retaining top heavyweight talent, as even physically gifted prospects like Almeida may lack the passion and commitment required to succeed at the highest levels of the sport.