UFC Vegas 113 MMA Match Preview: Jailton Almeida (22-4-0) vs. Rizvan Kuniev (12-3-1, 1 NC)
UFC Vegas 113 features a compelling heavyweight matchup between No. 6-ranked Jailton Almeida and promotional newcomer Rizvan Kuniev. Almeida, a grappling specialist with explosive finishes, steps in on short notice to rebound from a controversial loss. Kuniev, a well-rounded wrestler with knockout power, looks to capitalize on his strong debut performance despite the scorecards. This bout replaces the originally scheduled Ryan Spann vs. Kuniev and adds intrigue to the card headlined by Mario Bautista vs. Vinicius Oliveira.
Location: Meta APEX (formerly UFC APEX), Enterprise (Las Vegas), Nevada; capacity: ~1,000 (typically limited to staff and invitees due to production setup).
Start Time: Prelims at 5:00 p.m. ET (2:00 p.m. PT); Main Card at 8:00 p.m. ET (5:00 p.m. PT). The Almeida vs. Kuniev fight is expected on the main card, likely around 9:00-10:00 p.m. ET.
Broadcast: Paramount+, UFC Fight Pass.
Injury Report
Both fighters enter the bout without reported injuries, marking a clean bill of health for this short-notice matchup. Almeida accepted the fight on less than three weeks’ notice after Ryan Spann withdrew due to undisclosed reasons, but no lingering issues from Almeida’s October 2025 loss to Alexander Volkov have been noted. Kuniev, fresh off his June 2025 debut, also reports no setbacks from his split-decision loss to Curtis Blaydes.
Fighter Matchups
This heavyweight clash pits Almeida’s elite grappling against Kuniev’s wrestling base and striking prowess. Key elements:
Grappling vs. Wrestling: Almeida averages 6.12 takedowns per 15 minutes (top 5 in UFC heavyweights) with a 67% success rate, excelling in submissions (13 career subs). Kuniev boasts strong takedown defense (85% in his UFC debut) and uses his Dagestani wrestling to control positions, but he hasn’t faced a grappler of Almeida’s caliber.
Striking Exchanges: Kuniev lands 4.56 significant strikes per minute with 55% accuracy, showing knockout power (6 KO/TKO wins). Almeida absorbs fewer strikes (2.34 per minute) but prefers closing distance for takedowns rather than prolonged stand-up battles.
Physical Attributes: Almeida (6’3″, 79″ reach) vs. Kuniev (6’4″, 76″ reach) – slight height edge to Kuniev, but Almeida’s speed and explosiveness could neutralize it. Both cut to ~240 lbs, with Almeida’s cardio tested in five-rounders.
Intangibles: Almeida’s experience (10 UFC fights) vs. Kuniev’s short-notice adjustment. Kuniev’s debut showed resilience, but Almeida’s pressure could overwhelm.
The fight likely hinges on whether Almeida secures early takedowns or if Kuniev keeps it standing for a striking upset.
Recent Form
Jailton Almeida (22-4): On a 2-2 run in his last four, with dominant finishes over Serghei Spivac (TKO, R1) and Alexandr Romanov (Sub, R1) sandwiched around losses to Curtis Blaydes (TKO) and Alexander Volkov (Split Dec). He’s 8-2 in UFC, with 16 first-round finishes overall. Form: L-W-W-L (strong grappling focus, but vulnerable on feet).
Rizvan Kuniev (12-3-1, 1 NC): Debuted with a controversial split-decision loss to Curtis Blaydes (many scored it for Kuniev), snapping an 11-fight unbeaten streak. Prior: KO win over Hugo Cunha (DWCS) and decisions in PFL. Form: L-W-W-NC (versatile, with 50% KO rate; strong wrestling but untested against elite grapplers).
| Fighter | Pro Record | UFC Record | Last 5 Fights | Sig. Strikes Landed/Min | Takedowns/15 Min | Finish Rate |
| Almeida | 22-4 | 8-2 | L-W-W-L-W | 3.45 | 6.12 | 95% (21/22 wins) |
| Kuniev | 12-3-1 (1 NC) | 0-1 | L-W-W-NC-W | 4.56 | 1.50 | 67% (8/12 wins) |
Fight History
No prior head-to-head meetings; this is their first encounter. Almeida holds a 2-2 record against wrestlers like Kuniev (wins over Spivac/Romanov, losses to Blaydes/Volkov). Kuniev is 1-1 vs. grapplers in recent bouts, with his Blaydes loss highlighting resilience but control issues. All-time, heavyweights in similar stylistic matchups (grappler vs. wrestler) go the distance 45% of the time in UFC.
FIGHT ODDS
Jailton Almeida – 165
Rizvan Kuniev + 135
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, February 6, 2026
