Lightweights Joel Alvarez and Drakkar Klose faced off on the UFC Tampa preliminary card on Saturday, part of the final event of the year for the UFC.
Alvarez had won two straight, including a Performance of the Night-winning TKO, becoming the first man to finish Elves Brenner in his last outing. Klose was on an even better run, winner of four straight including two Performance bonuses. That said, tragedy struck Klose earlier this year, as his brother, who often helped scout his opponents, had been murdered.
Alvarez came out with his usual plodding pressure, waiting for an opening. He stung Klose with the first right hand he landed, forcing him to instinctively shoot a takedown. Klose slammed Alvarez to the floor, but after scooting back to the fence, the Spaniard was able to work his way back up. As they got back into open space, Alvarez stunned Klose again. When Klose’s back hit the fence, Alvarez jumped into a flying knee that put him out cold.
The size difference was very apparent the second the fight started. “El Fenomeno” made good use, as he usually does, of his 6-inch height and 7-inch reach advantages. His 100% finish rate stays intact and he is surely deserving of ranked opposition next. Perhaps he will get to fight in his home country next as the UFC is looking to go to Spain in 2025.
Official Result: Joel Alvarez def. Drakkar Klose by knockout (Round 1, 2:48)
