Andrei Arlovski proved once again that age is just a number. The former UFC heavyweight champion made a statement in his Misfits Boxing debut, delivering a brutal fourth-round knockout against Kelechi “Kelz” Dyke in Nashville.
Arlovski, 46, looked sharp from the opening bell, using his experience and raw power to control the younger Netflix reality star. Despite the massive age gap between both fighters, Arlovski won his first interim UFC heavyweight title back in 2005 when Kelz was just a kid. The Belarusian legend showed that he still has plenty left in the tank.
Kelz held his own early, managing to frustrate Arlovski with his size and footwork. At one point, the Brit even forced the veteran to rely on his old MMA instincts to escape pressure. But the momentum shifted when Arlovski landed a clean right hand late in the second round, rocking his opponent and setting the tone for what was to come.
By the fourth, Arlovski had Kelz trapped against the ropes and finished the job in vintage fashion, a crushing right hand straight to the chin that sent the Brit slumping to the mat. The referee waved it off instantly.
This victory marks Arlovski’s third consecutive finish since leaving the UFC last year, following stoppage wins in BKFC and Dirty Boxing. It’s also another reminder that the veteran’s striking remains as dangerous as ever, even after more than two decades in combat sports.
In a post-fight interview, Arlovski admitted he only recently became familiar with Misfits Boxing after his manager offered him the opportunity.
“My manager told me, ‘You have an opportunity to fight in a boxing match.’ I said, ‘Absolutely, let’s go,’” he shared. “To be honest, shame on me, I never heard about Misfits until now. But I guess I’ll find out soon.”
Arlovski also teased future ambitions, expressing interest in a potential fight with a “famous YouTuber.” And while he didn’t name anyone directly, it’s clear he’s keeping his eyes on big-money matchups, possibly even someone like Jake Paul.
From the UFC octagon to the Misfits ring, Arlovski continues to reinvent himself and deliver electrifying performances. If his latest knockout is any indication, the legend isn’t done writing his story just yet.
