Jailton Almeida’s heavyweight move was not a one-off, and now he’s looking to make his mark in the division.
Almeida (16-2 MMA, 2-0 UFC), who broke into the UFC through Dana White’s Contender Series and debuted as a light heavyweight, made the decision to move up a division for his recent bout with Parker Porter at UFC Fight Night 206 this month.
The result was ideal as Almeida scored a first-round submission without his opponent landing a single significant strike or takedown. That success has seemingly convinced the Brazilian to stay put.
Almeida wants to leave a footprint in his new weight class and is targeting a clash with former UFC champion Andrei Arlovski, who holds a share of the organization’s all-time wins record. Moreover, Almeida said he wants revenge on “The Pitbull,” who beat his teammate Carlos Felipe by unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 195 in October (via Instagram):
I think this new come as a shock to some but I like the idea of fighting at heavyweight and enjoyed it. I felt much stronger in this weight class .
Andrei Arlovski! We have have a score to settle. You unfairly beat my brother @cfcabralboi and now here i am for the payback!
You’re an ex champion riding a pretty sequence winning 6 out of your last 7 fights. Aside from that, you always faught anyone anywhere throughout your career and I am sure that it won’t change now. Contact your agency @firstroundmgmt and @malkikawa and tell them you accept this fight cause the challenge has been made! After that, it will be up to the @ufc to choose the place and time, I am ready!
Arlovski 43, is in the midst of a four-fight winning streak. He holds a number of records with the UFC and through his storied tenure has shown a willingness to take on all comers.
Although Arlovski has yet to respond to Almeida’s callout, history indicates he would accept if the UFC offered him the fight.
Jailton Almeida to stay at heavyweight, has ‘a score to settle’ with Andrei Arlovski