The ufc heavyweight roster just got a weird shake-up, and the reaction was instant: Jailton Almeida is out. Yep — Jailton Almeida (22-5) has reportedly been released after his latest setback, a decision loss to Rizvan Kuniev in Fight: Kuniev vs. Almeida.
“The UFC CUT Jailton Almeida” — and the internet did what it always does
As soon as the news started circulating, debate turned into disbelief, and then into memes.
The UFC CUT Jailton Almeida 😳👀
— Morning Kombat (@morningkombat) February 13, 2026
Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/i0LIHZpTHg
“ Why did you cut Jailton Almeida “
— SU 🥋 (@Nolimitsu_) February 13, 2026
Dana : pic.twitter.com/cyRVnQv73C
Why this cut feels so odd
On paper, it doesn’t really add up. Almeida leaves the promotion with an 8-3 run — and for most heavyweights, that’s the kind of record that buys you patience. Heavyweight is also the division people constantly call “thin,” so cutting a top-10 caliber name isn’t the usual move.
The timing is also brutal: the Kuniev bout came on short notice, and while it wasn’t an inspiring performance, it wasn’t a blowout either. Still, it counted as a second straight loss, and it looks like that was the tipping point.
The “boring” label finally caught up
Almeida’s style has always split fans. The results were real — lots of early finishes — but when fights went long, the reaction got harsh. Even though he only hit the scorecards a few times in the ufc, those fights got dragged online for being grindy and low-output.
And the resume wasn’t empty
This is what makes it sting: Almeida beat names. He has wins over Derrick Lewis and Jairzinho Rozenstruik, ran through Alexandr Romanov, and most recently got a solid win over Serghei Spivac. In heavyweight terms, that’s a real list.
What’s next for Jailton?
At 32, he’s not “done” age-wise. If anything, he’s entering the stretch where heavyweights often peak. Whether this becomes a quick return story or a new run elsewhere, he’s talented enough to be relevant fast — and it wouldn’t surprise anyone if he ends up matched with familiar names like Martin Buday-level opponents again, just in a different banner.
