Andrei Arlovski
Andrei Arlovski
Andrei Valeryevich Arlovski (Belarusian: Андрэй Валер’евіч Арлоўскі; born February 4, 1979) is a Belarusian-American professional mixed martial artist and former UFC Heavyweight Champion. A professional competitor since 1999, he has also competed for Strikeforce, Affliction, and ONE Championship.
Arlovski is known for his punching power and knockout ability, having won 20 of his 33 victories by knockout. He is also a skilled grappler, having earned black belts in judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Arlovski began his MMA career in 1999, competing in his native Belarus and Russia. He quickly established himself as a top prospect, winning his first 11 fights. In 2000, he signed with the UFC and made his debut at UFC 28, where he defeated Aaron Brink by unanimous decision.
Arlovski quickly rose through the UFC heavyweight ranks, winning his first five fights in the promotion. In 2002, he challenged then-UFC Heavyweight Champion Tim Sylvia for the title at UFC 34. Arlovski won the fight by unanimous decision, becoming the UFC Heavyweight Champion.
Arlovski defended his title twice before losing it to Frank Mir at UFC 47 in 2004. He then went on a three-fight losing streak, which included a knockout loss to future UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar.
Arlovski left the UFC in 2008 and signed with Strikeforce. He won his first two fights in the promotion, before losing to Fedor Emelianenko in a non-title fight at Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Arlovski.
Arlovski then signed with Affliction, where he won his only fight in the promotion, against Paul Buentello. Affliction folded in 2009, and Arlovski returned to the UFC.
Arlovski has since gone 12-10 in the UFC, with notable wins over Travis Browne, Antonio Silva, and Josh Barnett. He has also suffered losses to Stipe Miocic, Alistair Overeem, and Francis Ngannou.
Arlovski is currently ranked #13 in the UFC heavyweight rankings. He is expected to face Jairzinho Rozenstruik at UFC Fight Night 200 on June 25, 2023.
Personal life
Arlovski was born in Babruysk, Belarus, Soviet Union. He began training in martial arts at the age of 16. He moved to the United States in 2000 to pursue a career in MMA.
Arlovski is married to Leah Arlovski and has two children. He is a Christian.
Awards and accomplishments
- UFC Heavyweight Championship (one time)
- Two successful title defenses
- Fight of the Night (three times)
- Knockout of the Night (four times)
- Performance of the Night (one time)
- Sherdog All-Violence Second Team (2005)
- Inside Fights Heavyweight of the Year (2005)
