An analyst reviewed Jailton Almeida's recent victory over Curtis Blaydes, noting that while Almeida won, his aggressive brawling approach resulted in absorbing many strikes. The post suggests this style, though it worked against Blaydes, could lead to knockout losses against top strikers like Alex Pereira or Sergei Pavlovich. However, positive notes included Almeida's increasing punching power, effective elbow work in the third round, and excellent takedown defense against Blaydes' wrestling attempts. The analyst also noted the alignment between Almeida's aggressive fighting style and the preferences of Trump and Dana White.
A recent analytical breakdown of Jailton Almeida's heavyweight bout with Curtis Blaydes has raised questions about whether the Brazilian contender's brawling tendencies could become a liability against the division's most dangerous strikers.
Almeida, known as "Malhadinho," carries a 22-5 record and holds the number-five ranking in the heavyweight division. The 35-year-old out of Galpao da Luta stands six-foot-three with a 79-inch reach and has built his reputation primarily as a grappler, averaging 5.64 takedowns per 15 minutes. His striking accuracy sits at an impressive 62 percent, and the analysis pointed to growing punching power and effective elbow work in the third round of the Blaydes fight as encouraging signs. Still, the central concern was the number of strikes he absorbed while trading in close, a product of his aggressive forward pressure.
The analyst identified Alex Pereira and Sergei Pavlovich as the types of opponents who could punish that approach most severely. Pereira, the reigning light heavyweight champion, holds a 13-4 record and lands 5.16 significant strikes per minute at 62 percent accuracy — elite output by any measure. The 38-year-old Brazilian stands six-foot-four with the same 79-inch reach as Almeida. Pavlovich, ranked third in the heavyweight division at 34 years old, presents a different but equally threatening profile. The Russian southpaw is 20-3 and lands 4.43 significant strikes per minute, with an 84-inch reach that gives him a considerable five-inch advantage over Almeida.
The analysis also noted that Almeida's aggressive, action-oriented style aligns with the entertainment preferences publicly associated with Dana White and the current UFC leadership.
Why it matters
- Almeida's takedown defense held firm against Blaydes, but pure strikers neutralize that dynamic
- Pereira and Pavlovich both generate significantly higher striking volume than Almeida absorbs well
- A style adjustment could be necessary for Almeida to clear the top of the heavyweight rankings
