Jailton Almeida vs. Alexander Romanov: Preview, Where to Watch and Betting Odds

Expect major grappling when Brazil’s Jailton Almeida takes on Moldovan Alexander Romanov in a heavyweight contest on the main card of UFC 302 in New Jersey. This weekend’s fight originally had Jailton Almeida versus Alexander Volkov. While Almeida is coming off his first UFC loss, Romanov returned to winning ways in his last bout. The number seven ranked Jailton Almeida is a huge favorite to win in early odds.

MMA: UFC Heavyweight

Where to Watch: PPV

Venue: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey

Date: 02.06.2024. 03:30

Jailton Almeida

The Brazilian heavyweight is making a quick turnaround from losing to Curtis Blaydes last March at UFC 299. After dominating Blaydes on the ground in the first round, Jailton Almeida was knocked out in the second round. The Dana White grad debuted in the UFC in 2022, winning six consecutive fights and standing out with his ground control time, “Malhadinho,” a black belt in BJJ, has amassed the highest control time percentage in the UFC while also absorbing very few strikes. His UFC resume includes wins over Derrick Lewis, Jairzinho Rozenstruik, and Shamil Abdurakhimov. The 32-year-old heavyweight began his career at 170 pounds and fought at Middleweight and light heavyweight.

Tale of the Tape

• Age: 32
• Height: 6’4”
• Weight: 265lbs (120kg)
• Reach: 79”
• Record: 20-3

Alexander Romanov

“King Kong” recovered from the first two defeats of his career to score a unanimous victory over Blagoy Ivanov last July. The 33-year-old, who debuted in the UFC in 2020, dropped a decision and a KO to Marcin Tybura and Alexander Volkov, respectively. Alexander Romanov started training in freestyle wrestling as a child and had an illustrious amateur career before transitioning to MMA. Romanov combines his UFC career with pro grappling.

Tale of the Tape

• Age: 33
• Height: 6’2’’
• Reach: 75”
• Weight: 265lbs (120kg)
• Record: 17-2

Betting Odds

Alexander Romanov is a 3.25 underdog in Bet365. Betway lists the underdog at 2.95. Jailton Almeida to win by submission is 2.9 odds on 1XBET, which lists over 1.5 at 1.73. Read more.