Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Andrei Arlovski Delivers Stinging Knockout in Misfits Boxing Debut

Nashville, TN – Veteran combat sports icon Andrei Arlovski, a former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) heavyweight champion, showcased a potent display of striking prowess, securing a decisive fourth-round knockout victory over Kelechi “Kelz” Dyke in his Misfits Boxing debut on Sunday, November 9, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee. The victory underscored Arlovski’s continued relevance and adaptability in the evolving landscape of combat sports, marking his third consecutive finish across different disciplines this year.

The much-anticipated crossover bout pitted the seasoned Belarusian striker, known throughout his storied career as "The Pitbull," against Kelz, a personality recognized primarily from reality television. Arlovski, at 46 years old, entered the Misfits ring with a professional record steeped in mixed martial arts, a career that spans over two decades and includes some of the sport’s most memorable heavyweight contests. His transition to the Misfits Boxing platform, a venture largely popularized by social media influencers, has drawn significant attention, illustrating the growing trend of established athletes crossing over into hybrid combat sports events.

From the opening bell, Arlovski demonstrated a disciplined approach, patiently working behind his jab and utilizing his extensive experience to control the pace of the four-round contest. While Kelz, reportedly 32 years old, showed commendable resilience and a willingness to engage, the technical disparity became increasingly evident as the rounds progressed. Arlovski, renowned for his powerful right hand and tactical footwork developed over 42 professional MMA victories, steadily accumulated damage, methodically breaking down his less experienced opponent.

The fight reached its conclusive moment in the fourth and final scheduled round. Arlovski, sensing an opportunity, intensified his attack, strategically cornering Kelz against the ropes. Employing a calculated flurry, he unleashed a powerful right hand that landed flush on Kelz’s chin. The impact was immediate and devastating, sending the reality television star slumping against the ropes before he dropped unconscious to the canvas. The referee promptly intervened, waving off the contest and signaling a brutal, definitive knockout victory for the former UFC champion.

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This knockout marked a significant milestone for Arlovski, particularly in the context of his recent ventures outside traditional mixed martial arts. While Arlovski holds an impressive 17 knockout/TKO victories in his extensive MMA career, the provided context from the event notes a particular streak where he had not secured a strike-based finish in his most recent 25 MMA bouts leading up to this year. This latest win, however, is his third straight finish in 2025 across different striking-focused combat sports formats, including boxing, bare-knuckle boxing, and "Dirty Boxing" rules. This resurgence in finishing power, particularly in pure striking environments, suggests a re-energized focus and effectiveness in his stand-up game, allowing him to capitalize on his formidable punching power.

Arlovski’s foray into Misfits Boxing was, by his own admission, a relatively recent development. In an interview with Damon Martin of MMA Fighting prior to Sunday’s event, Arlovski revealed the circumstances of his debut. "My manager told me you have an opportunity to fight in a boxing match," Arlovski stated. "Would you like to? I said absolutely, let’s go. That’s how it happened." The veteran fighter also candidly admitted to initially being unfamiliar with the Misfits Boxing promotion. "To be honest with you, shame on me, I never heard about [Misfits]," he confessed. However, his awareness of the platform grew upon learning of other prominent MMA figures, such as Tony Ferguson, engaging in Misfits events. This indicates Misfits Boxing’s increasing visibility and its ability to attract high-profile combatants beyond its initial influencer base.

The phenomenon of mixed martial arts veterans transitioning to boxing, particularly in crossover events like those promoted by Misfits, has become a notable trend in the combat sports industry. This movement offers established fighters new avenues for competition, financial opportunities, and a chance to test their skills in a different rule set, often against opponents from non-traditional combat backgrounds. For Arlovski, whose career longevity is already remarkable, these ventures represent a new chapter, allowing him to continue competing at a high level while exploring different facets of striking martial arts.

Looking ahead, Arlovski has openly expressed interest in facing one of Misfits Boxing’s most prominent figures, Jake Paul. Paul, a YouTube sensation turned professional boxer, has become a significant draw in the crossover boxing scene, challenging and defeating several former MMA stars. Arlovski’s call-out comes at a pertinent time for Paul, whose highly anticipated November 14 bout against Gervonta "Tank" Davis recently fell through. The cancellation was attributed to Davis currently facing a civil suit with an ex-girlfriend, who has accused him of battery and false imprisonment among other serious charges. With Paul now targeting a December date for his next fight, the prospect of a matchup against a legitimate former UFC heavyweight champion like Arlovski could offer a compelling narrative and a significant challenge for Paul, further blurring the lines between traditional and influencer boxing.

The success of Arlovski’s Misfits debut not only adds another highlight to his illustrious career but also reinforces the appeal of these unique combat sports events. For Misfits Boxing, featuring a decorated veteran like Arlovski lends credibility and draws in a broader audience interested in seeing established talent compete. As the landscape of combat sports continues to evolve, the integration of veteran MMA fighters into platforms like Misfits Boxing appears to be a burgeoning trend, promising more intriguing matchups and unexpected performances from some of the sport’s most enduring figures. Arlovski’s latest knockout serves as a potent reminder that even at 46, "The Pitbull" remains a dangerous and relevant force in the striking arena.