Latest news with #Arlovski
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Andrei Arlovski Set for Bare-Knuckle Debut Against Geronimo Dos Santos
Staying relevant in the UFC is no easy feat. Even for former champions, time and competition wear on, and eventually, new paths must be forged. While few walk away on top, others choose to go out swinging—and sometimes in entirely different arenas. That may be the case for one of UFC's most durable veterans, whose bare-knuckle debut could also serve as a final bow. According to an official post from BKFC on Instagram, former UFC Heavyweight Champion Andrei Arlovski is set to compete at BKFC 76 on June 21 in Texas. The caption read: 'ANDREI ARLOVSKI IS LEAVING THE GLOVES BEHIND JUNE 21 IN TEXAS!' At 46 years old, the phrase leaving the gloves behind carries weight, possibly hinting that this bout may mark the end of Arlovski's decorated career. Arlovski's last outing was a TKO victory over Terrance Hodges at DX 1, a smaller event that helped the veteran regain momentum before stepping into the BKFC spotlight. Arlovski's UFC journey began in 2000. He became interim UFC heavyweight champion in 2005 by defeating Tim Sylvia, later being promoted to undisputed champ. Over his career, he fought in over 40 UFC bouts, with wins over names like Fabricio Werdum, Travis Browne, Frank Mir, and Antonio Silva. Though he experienced ups and downs, Arlovski remained a staple of the heavyweight division well into his 40s, earning a reputation for longevity and heart. OctagonGetty Standing across from Arlovski will be Geronimo Dos Santos, a 44-year-old Brazilian powerhouse and fellow former UFC heavyweight. Dos Santos was scheduled to fight in the UFC in 2012 against Gabriel Gonzaga, but the bout was ultimately canceled due to his pre-fight medical exams. Two years passed, and the Nevada Athletic Commission still would not clear him, so he asked to be released from his UFC contract. He's competed across various international promotions, known for his knockout power and aggressive style. Dos Santos also has one BKFC fight under his belt—at BKFC 71, he scored a knockout victory over fellow UFC veteran Aleksei Oleinik. Advertisement Fans will soon see whether this clash of former UFC heavyweights marks the end—or the rebirth—of a legendary fighting career. Related: Live Audio Reveals Dana White's Assuring Words to Jack Della Maddalena After UFC 315 Win Related: Islam Makhachev Issues Warning After UFC 315: 'Keep My Belt Clean'


USA Today
23-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Video: 46-year-old Andrei Arlovski gets cut stoppage win in Dirty Boxing Championship debut
Andrei Arlovski started the final chapter of his combat sports career after exiting the UFC in 2024 when he competed Saturday at Dirty Boxing Championship. The promotion, which is headed by UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones and Mike Perry, features mixed rules of standup techniques and ground strikes. Former UFC heavyweight champion Arlovski was part of the card in Miami, and he got the victory over by doctor's stoppage TKO over Terrance Hodges. Arlovski picked his shots over the opening round, then in the second landed an elbow that sliced Hodges on the forehead. The action was halted, and after the fighter was examined, it was stopped. Check out the replay below (via X): 46-year-old former UFC champ Andrei Arlovski got a bloody doctor's stoppage TKO win at #DBX1. — MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) March 23, 2025 After the win, the 46-year-old Arlovski indicated he had no signs of slowing down. 'It was a great f*cking fight,' Arlovski said in his post-fight interview with Jason Anik. 'Old guys will keep it rolling.'


USA Today
13-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Andrei Arlovski set for first post-UFC bout at DBX 1
Andrei Arlovski has booked his first fight since exiting the UFC in July. The former UFC heavyweight champion will compete against Terrance Hodges, debuting under the Dirty Boxing banner at DBX 1 on March 22. The event takes place at The Hangar at Regatta Harbour in Miami and is headlined by Yoel Romero vs. Ras Hylton. The promotion offically announced the matchup Wednesday. Arlovski, 46, competed in his final UFC bout at UFC 303, losing a split decision to Martin Buday. After his fourth consecutive loss, UFC CEO Dana White announced his UFC run had come to an end after a total of 41 fights with the promotion. 'The Pitbull' was also recently drafted to GFL's Team Los Angeles to continue his MMA career. At DBX 1, Arlovski will compete in four-ounce gloves, with a ruleset that allows for elbows and situational ground and pound. Hodges, 40, began his professional MMA career in 2015 and has competed in boxing, muay Thai, and kickboxing. The latter has produced the most success, with a 3-2 record, per Tapology. With the addition, the current DBX 1 lineup includes: