Brazilian heavyweight Jailton Almeida will step in on three weeks’ notice to face Russia’s Rizvan Kuniev at UFC Vegas 113 at the Meta APEX.
Almeida (22–4, 8 KOs, 13 SUB) has gone 8–2 since his UFC debut in 2022, but he’ll look to rebound from a split-decision loss to Alexander Volkov in October. Kuniev (12–3–1, 6 KOs, 2 SUB, 1 NC) will make his second trip to the Octagon after Curtis Blaydes spoiled his debut via split decision last June.
Almeida enters as a -155 moneyline favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, while Kuniev sits as a +130 underdog. The total is set at 1.5 rounds.
Almeida vs. Kuniev Preview
Jailton Almeida
Almeida, 34, returns to the Octagon following his controversial split-decision loss to Alexander Volkov in October. The Brazilian heavyweight racked up nearly 11 minutes of control time during the three-round bout — only, he didn’t do anything with it.
As explained by UFC head honcho Dana White himself: “You can’t win a fight by just lying on top of someone.”
The grappling-minded “Malhadinho” will have to be more aggressive Saturday night in order to leave nothing to chance — something he typically specializes in. Still the No. 6-ranked heavyweight in the world, Almeida boasts a 95% finish rate comprising eight knockouts and 13 submissions.
Rizvan Kuniev
Kuniev, 33, is eager to bounce back from a narrow split-decision loss in his UFC debut against division staple Curtis Blaydes last June. The setback marked the Russian heavyweight’s first defeat since Aug. 2015.
He went 10–0 with one no contest during that span, earning a UFC contract with a last-second, first-round knockout of Hugo Cunha on Dana White’s Contender Series in August 2024.
Kuniev is a balanced fighter who pairs solid striking with sound takedown defense. Eight of his 12 wins have come by stoppage, including four straight.
Almeida vs. Kuniev Pick, Best Bet
Both fighters need to make a statement at the APEX. After his recent loss, Almeida can’t afford to leave anything to chance this time around. Meanwhile, Kuniev’s future becomes dangerously uncertain if he slips to 0–2 inside the Octagon. With both heavyweights’ most recent victories coming by knockout, expect someone to hit the canvas on Saturday night.
