Ex-UFC Fighter Jailton Almeida Signs With ACA, Debuts Sept. 12 vs. Evgeny Goncharov

Jailton "Malhadinho" Almeida has found a new home following his UFC departure, signing with the Absolute Championship Akhmat and booking his debut for September 12 at ACA 207 in Krasnodar. The Brazilian heavyweight is set to face former ACA champion Evgeny Goncharov in what shapes up as an immediate statement bout for the 35-year-old.

Almeida arrives at ACA carrying a 22-5 record and a reputation as one of the more technically complete heavyweights in recent memory. Standing six-foot-three with a 79-inch reach, the orthodox fighter out of Galpao da Luta was ranked fifth in the UFC's heavyweight division before his exit. His numbers reflect a well-rounded threat: he lands 2.23 significant strikes per minute at a striking accuracy of 62 percent, while averaging an exceptional 5.64 takedowns per 15 minutes and 1.7 submission attempts in the same span. That combination of wrestling volume and finishing ability made him a consistent headache for opponents at the highest level.

Goncharov is no soft landing spot. The Russian carries a 22-3 record with an 8-1-1 NC mark inside ACA, and his familiarity with the promotion — including a prior championship reign — means Almeida will be stepping into hostile territory from the first bell.

Why it matters

• Almeida is one of the highest-profile fighters to enter the ACA heavyweight division in recent years, instantly raising the competitive ceiling of the bracket.
• Goncharov's ACA pedigree and former title status make this a credible measuring stick for Almeida rather than a low-risk debut.
• A victory for Almeida would position him as a legitimate title contender in ACA almost immediately; a loss to a proven regional champion would complicate any future return to elite-level organizations.
• The stylistic matchup pits Almeida's elite grappling volume against an opponent who has navigated the ACA heavyweight landscape at the highest domestic level.