Jailton Almeida didn’t need much time to win the first main event of his UFC career.
In the main event of UFC on ABC 4 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C., Almeida (19-2 MMA, 5-0 UFC) met the biggest name of his career thus far in Jairzinho Rozenstruik for a heavyweight clash. While it was Almeida’s first bout scheduled for 25 minutes, he only needed 3:43 to tap Rozenstruik (13-5 MMA, 7-5 UFC) in another dominating performance.
After touching gloves, Almeida immediately shot for a takedown, but Rozenstruik easily stuffed the attempt. However, “Bigi Boy” was not successful in stopping Almeida’s second shot, which came a few seconds later.
Once on the ground, Almeida didn’t rush things while working from half guard, which did not please some of the fans in Charlotte. It was a methodical approach to improving position, but one that eventually paid off. Almeida found his way into full mount, and the finish would soon follow.
Almeida began raining down heavy hammerfists, turning the few boos into loud cheers. Rozenstruik attempted to defend the strikes, but opted to turn to his side, giving Almeida the opportunity to take his back. The rear-naked choke submission was in tight a split second later. Completely flattened out with Almeida on his back, Rozenstruik couldn’t escape and tapped before going out.
JAILTON ALMEIDA FORCES THE TAP IN ROUND 1 😤 #UFCCharlotte pic.twitter.com/qft905AkH3
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) May 13, 2023
According to UFC Stats, Rozenstruik attempted just two significant strikes, and landed neither of them. Coincidentally, Almeida has only been hit with two significant strikes total over his five UFC bouts, while finishing each opponent – an impressive feat.
With the result, Almeida’s current winning streak stretches to 14 overall in his pro career – a run that began in 2018.
After the fight, Almeida called for another “challenge” and mentioned Tai Tuivasa as a potential next opponent.
Rozenstruik entered on the heels of a Performance of the Night performance against Chris Daukaus at UFC 282, where he ended the fight violently in just 23 seconds. Unfortunately for “Bigi Boy,” he was unable to stave off the smothering ground game from Almeida to remain in the win column.
Full UFC on ABC 4 results include:
- Jailton Almeida def. Jairzinho Rozenstruik via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 3:43
- Johnny Walker def. Anthony Smith via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
- Ian Machado Garry def. Daniel Rodriguez via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 2:57
- Carlos Ulberg def. Ihor Potieria via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 2:09
- Alex Morono def. Tim Means via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 2, 2:09
- Matt Brown def. Court McGee knockout (punch) – Round 1, 4:09
- Karl Williams def. Chase Sherman via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
- Douglas Silva de Andrade def. Cody Stamann via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Mandy Bohm def. Ji Yeon Kim via split decision (28-27, 27-28, 28-27) Round 3, 1:55
- Bryan Battle def. Gabe Green via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 0:14
- Tainara Lisboa def. Jessica-Rose Clark via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 3, 4:20
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ABC 4.
