Rizvan Kuniev VS Jailton Almeida

Rizvan Kuniev earned a unanimous decision victory over Jailton Almeida in a grueling, clinch-heavy heavyweight affair. The fight was often a stalemate against the fence, but Kuniev proved to be the more effective fighter in the close-quarters exchanges. He successfully stuffed Almeida's takedown attempts—a shock to many—and punished the Brazilian with short uppercuts and knees to the body. Almeida appeared hesitant to let his hands go and struggled to implement his usual grappling-heavy game plan. The judges scored it 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28 for Kuniev, who capitalized on Almeida's inactivity.

Heavyweight clash featuring grappling specialist Jailton Almeida (#6) against dangerous Russian newcomer Rizvan Kuniev. Almeida stepped in on short notice for Ryan Spann. Kuniev, a Sanda specialist with heavy clinch work, faces the division's most potent pure grappler. Almeida will look to take this down immediately, while Kuniev must use his size and Sanda takedown defense to keep it standing.