Important ally! Surprised, renowned journalist campaigns in favor of Malhadinho after his dismissal from the UFC.

Malhadinho makes weight and confirms fight in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

The UFC made a decision that dropped like a bomb on MMA, especially at the national level. On Wednesday (11), Jailton Malhadinho was cut by the company, after the defeat to Rizvan Kuniev last Saturday (7), in Las Vegas (USA). Attentive to the sport scene, journalist Ariel Helwani, as could not be otherwise, gave his opinion on the episode and surprised.

On his official 'X' account, the renowned professional did not hide his shock at Malhadinho's release from the UFC, despite his poor form. Aware of the Brazilian's quality, Helwani implied that the organization made a mistake in releasing him due to his two consecutive losses and described him as a great asset to other MMA companies.

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End of the line! After defeats and criticism, Malhadinho is cut from the UFC, says journalist.

"If you were from the PFL, would you hire him? I say yes. It's worth it. What a crazy turn of events!", wrote the journalist.

It's quite true that Malhadinho is experiencing the worst moment of his career. The Brazilian suffered defeats against Alexander Volkov and Kuniev in fights that were disappointing and received harsh criticism for his lack of aggression. However, while fighting for the UFC, the athlete impressed in the light heavyweight (up to 93 kg) and heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg) divisions. In fact, the Bahia native leaves the league with eight wins, seven by stoppage, and three losses.

Malhadinho's MMA Fighters

Jailton Malhadinho , 34, is still ranked eighth in the UFC heavyweight division. The Brazilian began his MMA career in 2012 and debuted in the UFC in 2022.

In his career, the Bahia native built a record of 22 wins, 21 of them by stoppage (13 by submission and 8 by knockout), and five losses. His main victories were over Derrick Lewis , Jairzinho Rozenstruik , and Serghei Spivac.

If you're PFL, do you sign him? I say yes. Worth it.

(What a crazy turn of events though…) https://t.co/Kud5giEcAv

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) February 12, 2026

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