Andrei Arlovski Ventures into Influencer Boxing with Misfits Debut, Expresses Strong Interest in Jake Paul Bout.

Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski is set to make his professional boxing debut under the Misfits Boxing banner, marking a long-anticipated transition for the veteran combatant. The 46-year-old, known as "The Pitbull" throughout his storied mixed martial arts career, will lace up the gloves for the first time in a sanctioned boxing match on Sunday in Nashville, facing reality television personality Kelechi "Kelz" Dyke. This move into the burgeoning world of influencer boxing comes after decades of high-level MMA competition and a persistent, unfulfilled aspiration to compete in the sweet science.

Arlovski’s desire to pursue boxing is not a recent development. A self-professed lifelong fan of the sport, he has often contemplated a career path solely within boxing. His initial foray into the professional boxing landscape occurred in 2009 when he signed with Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions. Despite the high-profile signing, a fight under the Golden Boy banner never materialized, and Arlovski continued his impressive run in mixed martial arts. He maintains no regrets regarding his MMA career, which saw him reach the pinnacle of the sport. However, the opportunity to finally step into a professional boxing ring proved irresistible.

"My manager told me you have an opportunity to fight in a boxing match," Arlovski told MMA Fighting in a recent interview. "Would you like to? I said absolutely, let’s go. That’s how it happened."

Arlovski admitted to being initially unfamiliar with Misfits Boxing, the promotion spearheaded by YouTube star and boxer KSI. However, he quickly became aware of its growing profile, noting the involvement of other established MMA fighters. "To be honest with you, shame on me, I never heard about [Misfits]. But right after a little bit, I found out that Tony Ferguson is fighting over there. I guess I’ll find out soon." Misfits Boxing has rapidly gained traction in the combat sports world by blending celebrity, influencer, and crossover athlete matchups, attracting a new demographic to boxing while providing significant financial opportunities for established fighters seeking new challenges.

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Andrei Arlovski’s MMA career is defined by remarkable longevity and a period of dominance at heavyweight. Debuting professionally in 1999, he made his UFC debut in 2000. He captured the interim UFC Heavyweight Championship in February 2005 by defeating Tim Sylvia, a title he subsequently unified by defeating Sylvia again in October 2005. Arlovski held the undisputed championship until August 2006. Over a career spanning more than two decades, Arlovski compiled a professional MMA record of 34 wins, 22 losses, and 2 no-contests. Within the UFC, he holds records for most heavyweight fights (40) and most heavyweight wins (23), showcasing his consistent presence at the sport’s highest level. Known for his crisp striking, agile footwork for a heavyweight, and knockout power, "The Pitbull" developed a reputation as a dangerous and exciting fighter. His return to the UFC in 2014, after a stint in other promotions, saw him string together a four-fight win streak against notable opponents like Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva and Travis Browne, further solidifying his status as a legendary figure in the division.

His opponent, Kelechi "Kelz" Dyke, comes from a vastly different background. Dyke gained public recognition through his appearance on the Netflix reality series Too Hot to Handle. His foray into boxing is relatively recent, with a professional record of 1 win and 1 loss. His sole victory came against Wayne Lineker in 2022, while his most recent outing in January 2024 resulted in a loss to current Misfits champion Chase DeMoor. The disparity in combat sports experience between Arlovski, with over 25 years at the elite level, and Dyke, with two professional boxing matches, is significant.

Despite the apparent mismatch on paper, Arlovski approaches the contest with a pragmatic and cautious mindset. He acknowledges the inherent unpredictability of heavyweight boxing, where a single punch can alter the outcome of a fight regardless of experience levels. "Of course, I looked at what we can find with my boxing coach," Arlovski stated regarding his opponent research. "He’s a big guy so we’ll see. Obviously, being a f*cking reality show star and boxing is kind of different areas but we’ll find out. But no doubt about it, he looks strong, big, so we’ll see." Arlovski is keenly aware that while he is widely considered the overwhelming favorite, underestimating any heavyweight opponent can lead to disastrous consequences. "I guess somehow I have to prove it to the boxing community that I’m OK. So it’s a perfect chance for me. But also don’t forget he’s a heavyweight. You can win the whole fight and then miss one punch and game over. Stick with the game plan and be on alert as usual."

Beyond his Misfits debut, Arlovski has already set his sights on a high-profile potential opponent: Jake Paul. The former UFC champion has openly challenged Paul, expressing a strong desire to face the YouTube sensation-turned-boxer. Paul, who boasts a professional boxing record of 9 wins and 1 loss, has become one of the most significant draws in crossover boxing, defeating several former MMA stars including Tyron Woodley, Ben Askren, Anderson Silva, and Nate Diaz.

"I called [Jake Paul]," Arlovski confirmed. "It’s going to be dreams come true but one step at a time. I need to beat my first opponent and then we’ll see what’s going to happen after but absolutely [I want to fight him]." Arlovski acknowledges Paul’s commitment to the sport despite his celebrity origins. "Another famous YouTuber but you have to respect that he trains a lot, spends a lot of money on his boxing coaches so I guess he’s not a joke. But like I said, one step at a time and we’ll see what happens after."

Jake Paul’s next fight plans are currently in flux after a planned November 14 showdown against Gervonta "Tank" Davis was reportedly pulled. Paul is now eyeing a return to the ring in December, with names like Nate Diaz and Francis Ngannou being circulated as potential adversaries. Arlovski, however, has thrown his name into the hat, indicating his readiness to step in should the opportunity arise following his Misfits bout. "Absolutely [I would fight him in December]," Arlovski affirmed. "For me best case scenario all my MMA career, I’m telling them I would love to fight three or four times, the best case scenario five times a year. If you’re not injured, you’re good, like Nike, just do it. But like I said, as usual, one step at a time."

Arlovski’s sustained activity and competitive drive at his age are remarkable in combat sports. He has managed to defy the typical effects of aging on athletes, continuing to compete at a high level well into his 40s. This latest venture into boxing is partly driven by a desire to capitalize on his remaining competitive window and secure financial benefits. "I want to make money," Arlovski stated candidly. "I understand I have a short window to fight and make money."

He draws inspiration from boxing legends who achieved success at advanced ages, citing George Foreman, who became a heavyweight champion at 45, and Bernard Hopkins, who held world titles into his late 40s. "Obviously, for me a great example in the boxing world is George Foreman and Bernard Hopkins. He became a champion at age 48 so I believe [I can do it, too]. I set a few records in my mind so why not a few more?"

Arlovski’s passion for boxing runs deep, influencing his career choices and aspirations. "I love boxing. My favorite fighters were of course Mike Tyson, Johnny Tapia, Arturo Gatti, so I want to box all the time but I stuck with MMA for 25 years. But we’ll see. It’s better later than never. I’m on the right path right now and I’m ready to go." His Misfits debut represents not just a new chapter, but the culmination of a lifelong aspiration, potentially paving the way for further high-profile boxing encounters, including a highly coveted bout against Jake Paul.