A pair of UFC middleweights will collide in February.
MMA Fighting was the first to report the news that Ian Heinisch will fight veteran Sam Alvey on February 5 at a yet-to-be-announced UFC event. A source close to the situation subsequently confirmed the fight to Cageside Press.
After winning his first two UFC fights, Heinisch (14-5) has hit a rough patch of late. “The Hurricane” is 1-4 in his last five bouts and is riding a two-fight losing streak. In his only fight in 2020, he knocked out Gerald Meerschaert, but then more recently, lost a unanimous decision to Kelvin Gastelum and was finished by Nassourdine Imavov in July.
Alvey (33-16-1) has not won a fight since 2018 and is riding a six-fight losing streak with a draw against Da Un Jung. “Smile’n” Sam was choked unconscious by Julian Marquez in April and was defeated by Wellington Turman in August via split decision.
Both fighters could be fighting for their job when they meet early next year.
No location, venue, or broadcast plan has been officially announced for the February 5 event. The UFC’s February 5 Fight Night card currently breaks down as follows:
- Marc-André Barriault vs. Chidi Njokuani
- Jason Witt vs. Phil Rowe
- Miles Johns vs. John Castaneda
- Steven Peterson vs. Julian Erosa
- Ian Heinisch vs. Sam Alvey
