Video: Jailton Almeida loses to Down syndrome fighter in charity bout – but makes dream come true

January 29, 2024 7:00 pm ET

Jailton Almeida doesn’t lose often, but he did for a good cause this past weekend in Brazil.

On Saturday at Demo Fight 18 in Salvador, Bahia, Almeida (20-2 MMA, 6-0 UFC) competed in a charity MMA bout against Alvaro Borges’ dream come true.

Borges, an athlete with Down syndrome, kept his distance and attempted spin kicks before he dragged the UFC heavyweight contender to the canvas. He mounted Almeida at one point, then worked for a triangle-armbar from guard – and found the tap.

After the win, Borges was awarded a championship belt and celebrated with Almeida and others inside the cage during the official announcement.

The win moved Borges to 2-0 in charity exhibition bouts. He previously defeated Brazilian jiu-jitsu coach Pablo Passos, also by armbar, at Demo Fight 17 in July.

Almeida, 32, returns to professional competition March 9 at UFC 299 against Curtis Blaydes (17-4 MMA, 12-4 UFC). The bout could have title implications. Almeida holds UFC wins over Derrick Lewis and Jairzinho Rozenstruik among others.

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