Now the reigning Karate Combat heavyweight champion, Alvey (34-18-1, 1NC MMA, 4-0 KC) has drawn fellow UFC alum Robelis Despaigne (5-2 MMA, 6-0 KC) for his latest title defense.

Promotion officials recently announced the match-up, which will headline Karate Combat 58, set to take place on December 5, 2025 in Miami, Florida.

It won’t be a walk in the park for Alvey. Since exiting the UFC on a two-fight skid, Despaigne has been a beast for Karate Combat. He’s 6-0 with the promotion, which includes winning three fights in a single night, including stoppages of fellow UFC alums Zac Pagua and Tim Johnson, to win the promotion’s Last Man Standing tournament.

Alvey, who finished his UFC career on an 0-8-1 run, is 4-0, 1NC in five appearances for the Karate-based promotion. The No Contest saw Alvey unable to continue after being on the receiving end of a headbutt from Antonio Arroyo. “Smile’n” Sam got his revenge in an immediate rematch, stopping Arroyo with punches.

Alvey has three finishes among his four Karate Combat wins, and has successfully defended his heavyweight title twice, after winning it his second appearance for the company.

The post Smile’n Sam Draws Despaigne for Karate Combat Title Defense appeared first on Cageside Press.

Sam Alvey gets title shot at Karate Combat 43

He may have left the UFC off one of the worst slumps imaginable, but the always smiling Sam Alvey has plenty of reasons to be grinning these days — as he’s landed a title shot at Karate Combat 43.

Alvey is actually on a two-fight win streak in combat sports, having won his first MMA fight outside the UFC, then his Karate Combat debut. Looks like there’s still some gas in “Smile’n” Sam’s tank after all.

The fight is at heavyweight, which is the weight class Alvey has been competing in of late.

The card goes down on December 15. Alvey is up against Ross Levine for the title.

https://twitter.com/KarateCombat/status/1724568849851588663

John Lineker is trying his hand at Muay Thai

Those “Hands of Stone” could be deadly in Muay Thai.

Per ONE Championship officials, John Lineker is booked for a Muay Thai bout against Liam Harrison at ONE Fight Night 18 on January 12, 2024. It’s a detour from his MMA run, that has him with two straight wins after losing a rematch with Fabricio Andrade. The pair have fought twice, with the first bout ending in a No Contest after a low blow left Lineker unable to continue.

Guaranteed FIREWORKS 💥 John Lineker crosses over to Muay Thai to take on the legendary Liam Harrison at ONE Fight Night 18 on Prime Video! Who you got? 👀#ONEFightNight18 | Jan 12 at 8PM ET
🇺🇸🇨🇦 Watch Live on Prime pic.twitter.com/tQDRTbsDM1

— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) November 18, 2023

The Rock’s PRIDE tale

Dwayne Johnson, a.k.a. The Rock, was the biggest thing in wrestling in the late 90s/early 2000s. Big enough that he had an entire show named for him (which is still going today in WWE SmackDown).

Things weren’t always so rosey in Rockland, however. Early on, the third generation wrestler struggled to get over with fans. According to The Rock, speaking on The Joe Rogan Experience recently, that led him to consider trying his hand at MMA. Believable? We’ll get to that. He’s what Johnson had to say on the matter (h/t Bloody Elbow).

“97, during that time, I was was still going to LA and working out. We were crossing all the MMA guys. PRIDE just opened up in Japan. I started seeing all these MMA guys going over to PRIDE,” Johnson told Joe Rogan. “At that time, I was making $150,000 wrestling 235 days a year. Do the math on that and how much you’re making per match.”

The allure of big money in Japan appears to have been a motivating factor (when you consider what The Rock is worth today, you can understand that ultimately, he made a smart decision in staying put).

“We start hearing, ‘Hey, these guys in PRIDE are making $250,000, $350,000, $500,000.’ I thought then, ‘F—, I don’t think I’m going to make it in WWE. People are booing me out of the arenas. I can’t be myself. They’re telling me to f*cking smile, I don’t want to f*cking smile. That’s not who I am.’

“I start talking to Ken Shamrock at that time, who is wrestling with us. I run into Mark Kerr, I start talking to him,’ Tell me a little bit about PRIDE’. I have this idea in my head, ‘Maybe I should train in MMA, go to PRIDE, and make real money and then I don’t have to smile’. I’m sure I’m going to get f*cked up, knock one of my lungs loose, but maybe I could do something like that.

“Find the right coach and train, so I had this whole thing in my head. I was talking to my wife at that time, I said, ‘I think that’s the way to go. Those guys are paying real money and these fans are booing me over here for 150 grand.’”

The Rock did not end up joining PRIDE, or fighting anywhere. Instead, the ex-college football star was put into the Nation of Domination in WWE by Vince McMahon, a faction/storyline that turned his wrestling career around.

How legit is this PRIDE story? Let’s not forget that pro wrestlers are almost always working, and The Rock knows just who Rogan’s audience is. This feels a lot like Hulk Hogan’s “I was going to be the bassist in Metallica” story.

The post Sunday MMA Quick Hits: Alvey Gets Title Fight, Lineker Gets Muay Thai Bout appeared first on Cageside Press.

Sam Alvey picks up win at Karate Combat

The man with the million dollar smile, “Smile’n” Sam Alvey, has now won two straight fights in combat sports.

After ending his UFC career on an 0-8-1 skid unheard of for a fighter who never held gold, Alvey got back in the win column earlier this year, winning a heavyweight fight on the regional scene. Then, on Saturday, he picked up a win in Karate Combat, the striking-based promotion that has recently made headlines.

Check it out below.

https://twitter.com/KarateCombat/status/1703207707254145294

GSP to be Inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame

UFC Hall of Fame member Georges St-Pierre, who won welterweight and middleweight gold and retired with zero unavenged losses, is about to be a two-time Hall of Famer. That’s because he’s set to be inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame.

The announcement was made at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec earlier this month. The Sports Hall of Fame has honored over 700 notable Canadians, but has been a virtual-only institution since the pandemic. As a result, its collection of artifacts was moved to the Museum of History for conservation.

GSP, meanwhile, will be in action later this year. Though retired from MMA, he’s set for a grappling match at the UFC Fight Pass Invitational, against an opponent yet to be announced.

Henry Cejudo’s sister, Gloria, passes away after cancer battle

Some tragic news emerged late last week, as former UFC double champ Henry Cejudo announced that his older sister, Gloria, had passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Cejudo posted a heart-felt message on social media honoring the 41-year old, who passed on September 15.

“My older sister has been battling cancer for the last two years. I’ve never seen someone fight for their life like her. She played so many roles in my life including being my second mom. The most selfless person I have ever met. Thank you for teaching me about unconditional love. No more pain and suffering, rejoice with our Heavenly Father. Have those peaches in heaven you always wanted. Te amo y te quiero mucho mi hermana linda. Como te extraño. See you soon hermana ❤️ Gloria Nelly Cejudo.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CxO26z0xZUV/

Regional fighter calls out Chris Curtis, gets immediate, heated response in cage

There appears to be some history to this one. Following his win at Tuff-N-Uff 133 on Friday, Ayadi Majdeddine called out Chris Curtis, saying he would fight him at welterweight were he in the UFC.

Curtis, who was on commentary cageside, did not take kindly to those words, and entered the cage to unleash a tirade at the little-known fighter. “Look here you f*cking muppet. I was courteous today, so I didn’t drag your head off the concrete like I should have. Watch your f*cking mouth.” Being escorted from the cage, Curtis added “I’m not the one you want. I will bury you and your little dog, boy.”

As for the background, it appears words were exchanged months back. In multiple posts to social media, Curtis explained that “This was a big issue a few months ago. It’s been on sight since,” and that Majdeddine had been “run out” of their gym. As to why, “This dude has harassed and threatened me, my family my coaches and a slew of women out here. F*ck how people take it. I told him before what it was. Don’t try to come apologize to my face then do this bullshit. Nah my Guy, does not fly here.”

“You don’t threaten me and my family and then apologize behind closed doors before pulling this shit. Nah my guy. You beat a cab driver. Not impressed,” Curtis also wrote on social media. “All that talking is gonna get you hurt.”

Chris Curtis did not let that slide 🤣 #TNU133 pic.twitter.com/1wY9PYHgAs

— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) September 16, 2023

The post Sunday MMA Quick Hits: Curtis Beefs with Tuff-N-Uff Fighter, Alvey Wins at Karate Combat appeared first on Cageside Press.

Former UFC heavyweight Aleksei Oleinik put down by Oli Thompson right hand

Aleksei Okeinik is a lot of fun, as one of the most well-travelled veterans of heavyweight MMA today. His signature Ezekiel choke submission is one few fighters have ever hit; he pulled it off twice in the UFC alone. But after watching this brief encounter with journeyman and fellow UFC vet Oli Thompson, “The Boa Constrictor,” who calls Florida home, may want to call it a career.

Oli Thompson destroys Alexey Oleynik with a massive right hand in the first round pic.twitter.com/AdWy25dQxR

— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) May 26, 2023

Mark Coleman announces Celebrity Boxing match

Speaking of things we did not want to see: UFC Hall of Famer Mark Coleman has announced he’s signed on for a celebrity boxing match. No opponent has been named; the bout will take place in October, consisting of three two-minute rounds.

😞 https://t.co/egWNhq72Y2 pic.twitter.com/Q7PBvpLoqk

— Alex Behunin (@AlexBehunin) May 26, 2023

At least we know it’s not Jake Paul. Yes, beating elderly MMA stars is basically his blueprint, but Paul is otherwise occupied with Nate Diaz.

Coleman, for the record, is 58, and has had to overcome serious health issues over the years.

Poirier picks winner in McGregor vs. Chandler

Dustin “The Diamond” Porier has weighed in on who he sees winning when Conor McGregor throws down with Michael Chandler.

Having shared the cage with both men, Poirier is perhaps better suited than anyone to break down the fight. The former interim lightweight champ submitted Chandler in November, and is 2-1 in his career series with McGregor — though the second win came via injury TKO when McGregor broke his leg in the rubber match of their trilogy.

The world has waited nearly two years for “The Notorious” to make his return, which appears to be lined up for later this year. And should McGregor return to form, Poirier believes he can stop Chandler.

“I think that if Conor comes back anything like he was with his timing and rhythm, with the injury that he had and this long of a layoff, and we’re not getting any younger either — if he comes back similar to who he was before he left, I think he stops Michael Chandler,” Poirier recently predicted on Ariel Helwani’s The MMA Hour (h/t MMA Fighting).

“If Conor is who he was before the injury and stuff, I think two rounds — I think the fight’s over in two rounds.”

The Ultimate Fighter 31, featuring McGregor and Chandler as coaches, kicks off on May 30.

Rigged? Latest Aleksander Emelianenko fight looks awfully fishy

Claims of “rigged” fights in MMA are almost always made by fans unhappy with the outcome of a given match-up. Actual bout fixing is incredibly rare, mainly because it’s a) extremely hard to pull off and b) not lucrative enough to risk jail time over.

Of course, things operate a little different in Russia, where things like law, order, and not invading your neighbor do not apply. And so we present (h/t Al Zullino) Emelienenko versus some Russian vlogger, who appears to have a TKO win, then backs off and lets the contest continue. Aleksander goes on to win by submission in a fight that should in no way be counted on his official record.

This is the same card as the Oleinik fight.

So, this just happened in Russia.

A vlogger TKOs Aleksander Emelianenko, the ref steps in and stops the fight. But the vlogger says "Nah, why? Let's keep it on!", then shots and takedown and gets submitted?

Couldn't have been more fixed.

(h/t @pelunaton pic.twitter.com/vZMKtwZkgX

— Al Zullino (@phre) May 26, 2023

Ivan Emelianenko debuts

With Fedor retired and brother Aleksander clearly a living joke, the youngest Emelianenko brother, Ivan, made his pro debut this past week. Fighting on the same card as brother Aleksander, his finish at least looks legit, if sloppy. Judge for yourself.

Ivan Emelianenko def. Alexei Ledenev by unanimous decision. Successful MMA debut for the mysterious third Emelianenko brother. pic.twitter.com/6vimXNRsWw

— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) May 26, 2023

Nothing is over!

Nothing is over! Nothing. You just don’t turn it off!

Seems like Alex Pereira will do whatever it takes to continue his rivalry with Israel Adesanya, despite moving up to 205lbs. Including siding with the rival to Israel Adesanya’s rugby team.

Alex Pereira visited Israel Adesanya’s rival rugby team pic.twitter.com/BxeQF6OipR

— Bloody Elbow (@BloodyElbow) May 26, 2023

Sam Alvey returns to win column in heavyweight debut

Sam Alvey has a reason to smile again. The former UFC middleweight moved to heavyweight over the weekend, competing at a B2FS event that aired on Fite.tv. “Smile’n” Sam was successful in that debut, finding the TKO finish in the third.

The victory over Cameron Graham was Alvey’s first since 2018. He finished his UFC run on an unheard of 0-8-1 run.

😁 @smilensam is successful in his heavyweight debut getting the 3rd round TKO finish over Cam Graham at #B2FS183.

[ Streaming LIVE on #FITE 🔴 https://t.co/2MEwQun58y ] pic.twitter.com/p88Iql9vvY

— TrillerTV (@Triller_TV) May 28, 2023

Li Kai Wen dazzles as part of Road to UFC 2

ONE Championship tournament winner Li Kai Wen pulled off this stunning elbow strike KO as part of Road to UFC 2 on Saturday. If you missed it, the tournament has returned, with quarterfinal action unfolding over the weekend in Shanghai. Catch up on UFC Fight Pass.

This was one of a number of explosive finishes across the four-episode opening round.

There have been some seriously good finishes on #RoadtoUFC2 so far, but THIS ONE takes the cake.pic.twitter.com/gzxdFOHDN5

— Cageside Press (@Cagesidepress) May 27, 2023

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Sam Alvey returns… at Heavyweight?

It’s almost a surprise that this fight isn’t coming in the UFC. Can you not see Sam Alvey jumping at the chance to be a short-notice replacement for Chase Sherman, or in some other preliminary card heavyweight bout?

Instead, Alvey will take a heavyweight fight under the B2FS banner when he fights Cameron Graham at B2FS 183 in May 27.

Former UFC middleweight Sam Alvey is back to the regional scene after he parted ways with the UFC some months ago.

He locks horns with heavyweight Cameron "Big Mac" Graham whose record is 5-12.

Bout set under the 265-pound limit and to go down on May 27, in Columbus, Georgia. pic.twitter.com/rweUVzDSrj

— Al Zullino (@phre) April 13, 2023

Graham is an uninspiring 5-12 as a pro, while Alvey was 0-8-1 in his last nine fights with the UFC — an obscene number given the amount of younger talents cut after posting back-to-back losses. We’re not knocking Sam, either — his fights are usually entertaining enough, but it still feels like he had serious dirt on the UFC’s matchmakers. Or has some real voodoo skills.

Worst beef of the year?

Something no journalist should be doing in a niche market is trying to create beef with another journalist (actually, no journalist should be taking that route to notoriety period). So you can count the renewed feud between “The Schmo” and Ariel Helwani among the candidates for Worst Beef of 2023.

Helwani’s response to the Schmo (who in an interview recently released discussed fighting Helwani with Sean Strickland, though in Schmo’s defense Strickland brought it up) came during The MMA Hour segment with Chris Curtis above. The bottom line is, it stems over Helwani allegedly giving “The Schmo” — who basically does his interviews in-character as sort of a no-nothing Joe Schmo figure — a fake e-mail address when they first met a few years ago.

Helwani denies this. Schmo insists it happens. The idea they should fight over it is ludicrous. To respond loudly and publicly about it feels like a guy complaining that a girl handed him a fake number at the bar — look, buddy, she just wasn’t that into you. Move on.

Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz in PFL?

PFL exec Peter Murray was on hand at Friday’s PFL 3 card in Las Vegas, as was Cageside Press. We asked Murray about the potential of Jake Paul facing Nate Diaz in MMA, something that was teased when Paul announced he would be boxing Diaz in August.

“We heard directly from Jake, absolutely. We had that conversation as a potential two-fight deal, and the focus that made sense. Focus on boxing first. We’ll see what happens after the fight,” said Murray. “We’ll see if Jake gets in the cage with Nate to potentially finish that score, but what I can tell you is when Jake makes the debut in MMA next year, it’ll be against a major, major talent, major opponent.”

So that’s a maybe then?

Ex-WWE star John Morrison wins celeb boxing match against Epic Mealtime guy

This is either stupidly funny, or the bottom of the celebrity boxing barrel, and which probably depends on how you view who entire fad. John Morrison was a mid-card guy in the WWE, who last year briefly turned up in AEW before jumping to MLW.

Epic Meal Time is your grandfather’s Youtube channel, and hasn’t been relevant since the mid-2010s, when eating stupid, high-calorie meals peaked as a trend.

So of course, someone decided that Morrison versus Epic Meal Time’s Harley Morenstein was the must-see boxing match-up of 2023.

Okay then.

A longer video of WWE alum John Morrison (Johnny Boxing?) knocking out Harley Morenstein, the dude from Epic Meal time at #CreatorClash2 https://t.co/kWRbGxTrKt

— Shakiel Mahjouri (@Shak_Fu) April 16, 2023

The post Sunday MMA Quick Hits: Sam Alvey Returns, Paul vs. Diaz in PFL? appeared first on Cageside Press.

“I would like to fight this year (again) for sure. I would like to be against Uriah Hall. That would be a nice fight to watch,” Oleksiejczuk told Cageside Press among other media through a translator at his post-fight media scrum.

“I want to fight him because I want to fight standing, and he will be fighting standing. I want to have my fights exciting and good and fun to watch for the people. That’s what it’s all about. That’s what people are looking for. So that’ll be a very nice matchup for a striking fight.”

On Saturday night he defeated Alvey who has been on a losing skid having not won a fight since 2018. “Smile’n” Sam is still a fan favorite regardless of his record.

“I was ready for a very tough battle. Sam Alvey is veteran of the UFC, veteran of the sport. He had many battles inside the octagon so I was prepared for the same today,” Oleksiejczuk said.

“I’m very glad the finish was kind of flashy so I’m very happy about that. Most of all I’m happy that the finish came so quickly because it’s not easy to do.”

Having been in the UFC since 2017 Oleksiejczuk has had an up-and-down tenure in the promotion, but has shown vast improvement in his game.

“I made huge progress going into this fight. I’m a well-rounded fighter now. I used to be a striker only now I can rely on my striking abilities, but I showed today also that I’m good in wrestling defense, I don’t panic when I’m on the ground, I can fight in every area every aspect of the game,” said Oleksiejczuk.

Watch the full UFC Vegas 59 post-fight press scrum with Michal Oleksiejczuk above.

The post UFC Vegas 59: Michal Oleksiejczuk Wants Stand Up Fight With Uriah Hall appeared first on Cageside Press.

With apologies to Smile’n Sam himself, it’s nearly unimaginable that Sam Alvey, with a 0-7-1 record in his past eight fights, had remained in the UFC while numerous fighters have been shown the door after losing just two or three fights. Yet that is the benefit of being a company man, always stepping up on short notice, and willing to stand and trade and entertain the fans.

And so Alvey was allowed to fight out the fight bout on his contract Saturday, much to the chagrin of some of the internet’s more vocal critics. Oleksiejczuk meanwhile was making his middleweight debut in the promotion.

Oleksiejczuk took a big swing and missed in the opening seconds, but chased Alvey, connecting a couple of times. Alvey was getting caught along the fence, eating a hook. A left hand then dropped Alvey, and Oleksiejczuk got on top! Somehow Alvey survived, and used the fence to walk over Oleksiejczuk, but couldn’t turn the corner.

Instead, Alvey covered up, eating more shots, turned, and got back up. Alvey, bloodied, shot for a takedown, which was stuffed. Oleksiejczuk then tagged Alvey again, dropping him! That was a wrap, with the ref waving things off. Another loss for Alvey, who will likely move on from the UFC. As for Oleksiejczuk, a successful 185 pound debut on Saturday night.

Official Result: Michal Oleksiejczuk def. Sam Alvey by TKO, Round 1, 1:56

The post UFC Vegas 59: Michał Oleksiejczuk Drops, Bloodies Sam Alvey Early in Middleweight Debut appeared first on Cageside Press.

Then, Hawes — himself a replacement for Ian Heinisch — dropped out. Mere days out from the event, Brendan Allen stepped up, moving the fight to light heavyweight, but at least keeping Alvey on the card.

Both men entered off losses, but Alvey’s record put him beyond must-win territory: 0-6-1 in his last seven fights, almost unheard of in the UFC, though a couple of close split decisions had likely saved his job.

Come the fight kicking off, Allen backed Alvey up to the fence. Smile’n Sam caught him with a punch or two, partially blocked but enough to get Allen’s attention. Allen would later shoot for a takedown, which was stuffed by a sprawling Sam Alvey. As they continued a bit of back-and-forth, Alvey found a home for a right, then a left. Allen utilized kicks to the body, few and far between however. A spinning kick was followed by a spinning back fist later in the round for Allen, but neither attack did much damage. Alvey’s counters in the final minute were a different story, but Allen would then hurt Alvey just before the buzzer.

Round two opened with a high kick attempt by Allen, looking to test if Alvey was still compromised. Instead, it was Alvey hitting the mark first, with Brendan Allen shaking his head — the universal sign that despite all evidence to the contrary, yes, you actually did get me (but I don’t want you to know it). Allen, however, would drop Alvey later in the round, care of a left hook to the chin, and that set up the end. “All In” got in under Alvey’s neck, and forced the tap!

Short Notice, QUICK day at the office for @BrendanAllenMMA!

[ #UFCVegas47 live on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/RdJfIcHv1M

— UFC (@ufc) February 6, 2022

Official Result: Brendan Allen def. Sam Alvey by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 2, 2:10

The post UFC Vegas 47: Brendan Allen Capitalizes, Submits Sam Alvey in Short-Notice Scrap appeared first on Cageside Press.

“I do understand where I am in my career right now. I love the sport, I’m not crazy about the judges, but I have to go out there, bite down on my mouth guard, and try real hard to hit him,” Alvey (33-16-1, 1NC) told reporters during this week’s UFC Vegas 47 media day. “Or maybe try to take him down, if he’s watching.”

Despite the rather dire circumstances, Alvey still has his trademark smile and cheerful disposition. And he sang the praises of short notice opponent Brendan Allen, who saved the fight after Phil Hawes pulled out during Fight Week.

“I was listening to Brendan [Allen] talk, and he made me feel so old! ‘I’ve been watching this guy since—’ Man! I have been doing it for a minute,” Allen joked. But, he added, “two days ago, I got word Phil was out, 12, 13 hours ago I got word Brendan’s in. And before Phil, it was Ian [Heinisch]. It’s been like 10 fights since I’ve had the guy I was supposed to fight show up on fight day. So we were kind of expecting it, or willing to accept it, knowing it could happen.”

“I was ready to go home and see my kids. Not many people accept fights on a week’s notice,” Alvey continued. “Brendan is a king among men. I’m so happy he stepped up. I wish he was worse, so it would be a little easier fight for me, but it is what it is.”

Alvey had expected, once Hawes dropped out, that he might get a new fight a month or so out. “I thought that might happen, but I was already booking my ticket home to see my family.” Instead, he gets a light heavyweight match-up with a fellow middleweight.

Going up a division doesn’t bother Alvey. “I’d fight Ngannou if they needed me to,” he said, then added “I really hope they don’t need me to. You know me, it doesn’t matter what weight class.”

Sam Alvey faces Brendan Allen at UFC Vegas 47 this Saturday, February 5, 2022 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The post UFC Vegas 47: Sam Alvey Calls Brendan Allen “King Among Men” For Taking Short-Notice Scrap appeared first on Cageside Press.

Alvey (33-16-1, 1NC) revealed on social media Tuesday that opponent Phil Hawes had been forced out of their UFC Vegas 47 match-up on Saturday, apparently due to injury. While that was apt to turn Alvey’s smile into a frown, some better news came along later in the day: a replacement opponent had been found, in the form of former LFA champ Brendan Allen (17-5).

News of Allen stepping up was first reported by Eurosport.nl. Allen later confirmed the booking on social media.

When UFC Vegas 47 arrives, Alvey will almost certainly be fighting for his job. The amicable fighter has dropped six of his last seven bouts, with a draw against Da Un Jung at UFC 254 the only bright spot since 2018. Losses to Little Nog, Ryan Spann, Jimmy Crute, Wellington Turman (in a foul-filled split decision) litter his record, but Alvey’s fan-friendly style has kept him around longer than most.

Allen, meanwhile, will be looking to bounce back from a recent loss to Chris Curtis. Prior to that, “All In” had won back-to-back fights inside the octagon against Karl Robertson and Punahele Soriano.

UFC Vegas 47 goes down this Saturday at the Apex in Las Vegas, headlined by another middleweight affair featuring Jack Hermansson and Sean Strickland. The following bouts are currently attached to the event:

Jack Hermansson vs. Sean Strickland
Punahele Soriano vs. Nick Maximov
Shavkat Rakhmanov vs. Carlston Harris
Tresean Gore vs. Bryan Battle
Julian Erosa vs. Steven Peterson
Miles Johns vs. John Castaneda
Hakeem Dawodu vs. Michael Trizano
Chidi Njokuani vs. Marc-André Barriault
Jason Witt vs. Phillip Rowe
Alexis Davis vs. Julija Stoliarenko
Jailton Almeida vs. Danilo Marques
Malcolm Gordon vs. Denys Bondar
Sam Alvey vs. Brendan Allen

The post UFC Vegas 47: Phil Hawes Out, Brendan Allen Steps In Against Smile’n Sam appeared first on Cageside Press.