Ranked heavyweight contenders clashed when seventh-ranked Jailton Almeida faced Alexander Romanov at UFC 302.
Jailton Almeida was undefeated in the UFC, dominating with his Brazilian jiu-jitsu, enthusiastic single-leg, and several heapings of athleticism, until he ran into Curtis Blaydes. Almeida even had success wrestling the former NCAA Division 1 wrestler, but got knocked out at the start of the second round with hammerfists while shooting in. He was faced by Alexander Romanov today – a strong wrestler in his own right, and the thirteenth ranked heavyweight in the UFC.
Jailton came out and went from a single leg to a body-lock to land his opening takedown. He got on top of Romanov, who held onto his overhooks to lock down Almeida, but without trying to get up. When Alexander did try to get up he instantly got his back taken and barely avoided being choked out, or having his jaw crushed. When Romanov tried to get from his knees to his feet, Almeida slithered forward again like a boa constrictor and choked out the Moldovan fighter.
After losing for the first time in the octagon recently, Almeida made a statement this time out, showing that he is still here and will not be supplanted by a lower-ranked heavyweight.
Official Result: Jailton Almeida def. Alexander Romanov by Submission (rear-naked choke) Round 1, 2:27
