Almeida made his professional mixed martial arts debut in November 2011. He fought extensively in his native Brazil and amassed a record of 7–0 with four wins via KO before making his Legacy FC debut. He is managed by Wade Hampel of Big Fight Management.
Almeida made his Legacy Fighting Championship debut against Cody Williams on November 16, 2012 at Legacy FC 15. Almeida won the fight via KO in the first round. He faced George Pacurariu on December 6, 2013 at Legacy FC 26. Almeida won the fight via TKO in the first round. Almeida was expected to face Aaron Philips on June 20, 2014 at Legacy FC 32 for the vacant Legacy FC Bantamweight Championship. However, Philips pulled out of the fight and was replaced by Caio Machado. Almeida won the fight via TKO in the first round to win the Legacy FC Bantamweight Championship.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
In June 2014, the UFC announced that they had signed Almeida to a multi-fight contract. Almeida made his promotional debut against Tim Gorman on November 8, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 56. Almeida won the fight via unanimous decision, marking the first time ever he didn't finish an opponent in his pro career. The fight also earned him his first Fight of the Night bonus award. Almeida faced Yves Jabouin on April 25, 2015 at UFC 186. He won the fight via TKO in the first round. This win also secured Almedia his first Performance of the Night bonus award. Almeida faced Brad Pickett on July 11, 2015 at UFC 189. Despite getting dropped twice in the first round, Almeida won the fight via knockout with a flying knee in the second round and also earned a Performance of the Night bonus. Almeida faced Anthony Birchak on November 7, 2015 at UFC Fight Night 77. He won the fight via knockout in the first round. The win resulted in his third consecutive Performance of the Night bonus. Almeida faced fellow undefeated prospect Cody Garbrandt on May 29, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 88. Despite being the betting favorite, Almeida had no answer for Garbrandt's hand speed and accuracy and lost the fight via knockout in the first round. Almeida next faced Albert Morales on November 19, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 100. He won the fight via TKO in the second round and was awarded a Performance of the Night bonus. Almeida faced Jimmie Rivera on July 22, 2017 at UFC on Fox 25. He lost the fight via unanimous decision. Almedia next faced Rob Font on January 20, 2018 at UFC 220. He lost the fight via TKO in the second round. Almeida was expected to face Marlon Vera on March 2, 2019 at UFC 235. However, Almeida pulled out of the fight on January 31, citing an injury. It was later revealed that he was experiencing major issues with his vision and required eye surgery. In August 2019, Almeida announced that he hoped to return to action by end of 2019.
