One of the contenders who was overlooked for the first defense of Tom Aspinall, because undisputed UFC Heavyweight Champion has responded to the recent big news.
After much uncertainty Before Dana White announced Jon Jones's pension, the UFC Heavyweight Division finally has its next title fight in the calendar.
After a record tint with the interim title, Aspinall was elevated to undisputed UFC Heavyweight Champion after 'Bones' repeatedly refused to fight him and to unite the belts. And unlike its predecessor, the Brit has sworn to be an active title holder.
With that in mind it is not surprising that the first defense of the champion has already been confirmed. White recently has Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane announced for the main event of UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi on October 25.
'Bon Gamin' was apparently one of the three options for the competition, and one of the two agreed contenders made a promise.
Jilton Almeida promises to fight against the winner of Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane
Aspinall said earlier that Gane is “owed” a beating, and their matchup probably looked after Jilton Almeida was booked against Alexander Volkov.
The attacking Brazilian and Volkov, a former opponent of the champion, briefly had their names in the hat to challenge the resident of Manchester, but they will now have to drive it out in a likely title -eliminator to secure the next place in line.
But despite his frequent calls to clearly drop the shot on deaf ears, Almeida is not stunned. In fact, he responded positively to social media on the news and welcomed the chance to impress the same card as the next title fight of his division.
“Everything moves perfectly! I'm going on the road, I will do my part and seal my title fight,” wrote Almeida (translated via X). “I bring this to Brazil at home, mark my words!”
Tudo Caminhando da Forma Perfeita! Vou La, Vou Fazer Minha Parte E Carimbar Minha Disputa de Cinturão. EU Vou Trazer Essa Pro Brasil, Podem Anotar! #Forçadebicho
– Jailton Almeida “Malhadinho” (@malhadinho_ufc) 22 July 2025
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Jailton Almeida's teammate supports him to dismiss Tom Aspinall
Almeida would undoubtedly have the support of Brazil if he got a first title shot in his career, and one of his biggest supporters will be Eduarda Moura.
Moura, a teammate of the heavyweight competition, recently supported the opportunities of her countryman to beat Aspinall during an interview with MMA fights.
“I believe that 'Malhadinho' will be much better prepared for Aspinall, because Aspinall will be the most difficult fight of the career of 'Malhadinho, of all his life,' said Moura.” I believe it is good that he has this time to work and evolve and to reach his 100 percent when he is fighting ashinall, and to reach Asinall, and to reach us.
“I think 'Malhadinho' will certainly bring him down and certainly catches him. Aspinall is dangerous, everyone knows that. He is fast and has heavy hands, so I believe that 'Malhadinho' will go early for the Takedown – as he always does, as he likes to do.
'I hope he takes him down and catches him quickly, so that our hearts do not suffer too much [laughs]”Moura added.