Overview
- - The former top-10 heavyweight thanked the UFC and fans in a social media video, saying two recent losses will not define his career.
- - Almeida was released after consecutive decision defeats to Alexander Volkov and Rizvan Kuniev, closing an 11-fight UFC stint with eight wins and four Performance of the Night bonuses.
- - His manager said multiple offers arrived from other promotions within hours of the release, with an announcement teased as imminent.
- - Multiple outlets, citing reporter Nolan King, report Almeida has signed with Russia-based ACA, with debut date, opponent, and contract details yet to be disclosed.
- - Analysts link the cut to the UFC’s sharper focus on entertainment value in the Paramount era, noting recent roster churn for fighters labeled less action-oriented.