Evgeny Goncharov vs Almeida Prediction 12 September 2026
💣 The ACA 207 tournament is set to take place at the Basket-Hall Arena in Krasnodar, headlined by a clash between two renowned heavyweights. Former ACA champion Evgeny Goncharov will square off against ex-UFC fighter Jailton Almeida. For the Russian veteran, this bout marks his return to the cage after a lengthy injury layoff. Meanwhile, the Brazilian makes his ACA debut, eager to prove he still belongs among the elite.
Head-to-head statistics Evgeny Goncharov - Almeida
Evgeny Goncharov Player Overview
Evgeny Goncharov enters the bout with a 23-3 record and one no contest. The 40-year-old Russian is a two-time ACA heavyweight champion, with both titles claimed right here in Krasnodar. Over the course of his career, he has defeated the likes of Tony Johnson, Alihan Vahaev, Anton Vyazigin, and Adam Bogatyrev. Goncharov is currently riding an eight-fight winning streak, although it’s worth noting that his last official appearance inside the cage came two years ago. His biggest assets remain his wealth of experience, knockout power, and ability to expertly manage his energy throughout the fight.
Match Results: Evgeny Goncharov
Jailton Almeida Player Overview
The 35-year-old Brazilian, Jailton Almeida, has made 11 appearances in the UFC, securing eight victories. His resume includes wins over Derrick Lewis, Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Alexandr Romanov, and Sergey Spivak. Almeida is particularly dangerous on the ground, where he excels at executing quick takedowns, establishing dominant positions, and maintaining control on the mat. However, he dropped his last two bouts to Alexander Volkov and Rizvan Kuniev, leading to his departure from the UFC roster. Now competing in ACA, the Brazilian has a fresh opportunity to restart his career and reclaim his status as a legitimate contender.
Match Results: Jailton Almeida
⭐ Editors' Prediction
In our view, Almeida holds the edge in this matchup thanks to his higher-caliber opposition and extensive UFC experience. The Brazilian will likely look to take the fight to the ground early, where his grappling skills could prove decisive. Goncharov’s long layoff may affect both his reaction speed and overall conditioning. If Almeida can avoid heavy shots in the opening exchanges, he should be able to gradually assert control and wear his opponent down. That’s the scenario we’re expecting. Our pick is a win for Jailton Almeida.