Jailton Almeida makes quick work of Jairzinho Rozenstruik with rear-naked choke at UFC Charlotte

Jailton Almeida proved yet again that he may just be a future UFC heavyweight champion.

In his biggest fight to date, the Brazilian needed less than four minutes and only a single takedown to bring Jairzinho Rozenstruik into his world on the ground before applying a fight-ending rear-naked choke in the UFC Charlotte main event. It was a dominant performance from Almeida, who avoided Rozenstruik’s considerable power and then just laid waste to him on the ground.

With the choke applied and nowhere to escape, Rozenstruik tapped out at the 3:43 mark of the opening round.

“A great main event, first fight like this,” Almeida said following his latest win. “I’m very happy. Khabib actually won like this. This is the style why I’m here. Everybody said he was one of the most dangerous guys in the division, he was going to knock me out. All he did was slap me a couple of times.

“When I come down with the pressure, nobody can get me.”

It didn’t take long for Almeida to quickly dive for the legs and bring Rozenstruik down to the ground, which is exactly where he wanted the fight. Almeida methodically advanced his position before eventually moving into half-guard as he looked to set up submissions or ground and pound.

Almeida was careful to ensure he stayed on top while Rozenstruik tried to play defense and negate the Brazilian’s grappling advantage. Rozenstruik managed to avoid Almeida’s advances momentarily, however the attacks kept coming in rapid-fire fashion.

Almeida eventually worked to the mount and began to rain down punches, which forced Rozenstruik to roll over and give up his back. That was all it took for Almeida to quickly sink in the rear-naked choke, with Rozenstruik tapping out just seconds later.

The win will certainly propel Almeida forward in the division, although it’s tough to say how many top-ranked heavyweights will be itching to sign a contract with the Brazilian’s name on it. Almeida, though, had at least one name in mind for a future opponent.

“I want somebody with another heavy hand,” Almeida said. “How about Tai Tuivasa? I want another challenge.”