Jailton Almeida Open to Pavlovich Fight, Backup Role for Jones vs. Aspinall
Jailton Almeida wants to help Tom Aspinall add some fun to the heavyweight division.
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"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?
— Jailton Almeida “Malhadinho” (@Malhadinho_UFC) February 1, 2025
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
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.”
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