Andre Arlovski concluded his UFC career with a split decision loss at UFC 303 but plans to continue fighting in other promotions, expressing pride in his long tenure and accomplishments within the UFC.
Andre Arlovski isn’t done just yet.
At UFC 303, Arlovski fought for the final time in the UFC, losing a split decision to Martin Buday. The bout was Arlovski’s 42nd in the promotion, second all-time to Jim Miller. It only added to the various heavyweight records Arlovski holds, including fights, fight time, and significant strikes.
Heading into the bout, the former heavyweight champion says he knew it would be his final walk for the promotion. “I knew it would be my last fight,” Arlovski said on The MMA Hour. “UFC proposed to do something but I didn’t want it because my chapter in the UFC is closed.”
“But definitely not in my MMA career,” he added. That’s why I decided to do nothing. And yeah, it was last fight [in the UFC].”
“That’s why I didn’t want to do any goodbye videos or whatever,” he continued. “But I do appreciate the UFC family, Dana [White], Hunter [Campbell]. [But] I’m not done fighting.”
Arlovski was the last active UFC fighter who competed for the promotion before Zuffa LLC purchased it in 2001. Making his promotional debut at UFC 28 back in 2000, Arlovski spent most of the next 24 years under the UFC banner.
Save for a four-year stretch competing for a variety of promotions. That’s a long time with one company. Even someone as stoic as “The Pitbull” wasn’t sure he’d keep his emotions in check at UFC 303.
“Be honest with you,” Arlovski said, “I thought I was going to be like a crying baby.” He laughed and admitted he thought he’d cry like a little bitch.
“But as of today,” he reflected, “this is not the end of life.” He spent most of his career training and fighting in the UFC but didn’t sign a new contract with them.
“I left the UFC; my chapter there is done,” he stated plainly. But life isn’t over.
“So like I said,” he continued with excitement, “I’m very happy with how I held [my feelings] when I left.” He felt good about keeping his composure on his way back to see the doctor post-fight.
“Of course,” he admitted with a chuckle, “I got a little bit emotional.” Right after returning to their hotel, First Round Management gave him a nice present—a ring with diamonds and a pitbull logo.
[Abe Kawa] gave a speech that brought tears to his eyes. What comes next for Arlovski is still up in the air.
The former heavyweight champion insists he’ll keep fighting for a few more years. “I want to beat a couple more records,” Arlovski said confidently.
He mentioned Bernard Hopkins fought at 48 and won as champion. Obviously Uncle Dana helped him buy a new house but bills need paying too!
“I’ve got a newborn baby,” he shared candidly. So he’s planning on doing something for another couple of years at least.
Hopkins actually continued fighting into his 50s—defending titles until age 49! At 45, Arlovski has several years left if aiming to catch up to "The Executioner."
There’s always that possibility: maybe one day he’ll return to UFC? He certainly leaves that door open.
“My first UFC was UFC 28," reminisced Arlovski thoughtfully. "If… it’s always hope right? If another contract happens…"
He’d love for his last fight in UFC to be at event number 328—300 events later! But who knows?
If that doesn’t happen though? He’s content with how things played out and proud of what he’s accomplished.
“I can call myself really a fighter," mused Arlovski proudly. Fighting almost two decades in top-tier leagues…
To see how things evolved from beginning till now? It’s been quite an incredible journey indeed!
Arlovski ends his illustrious UFC career holding an impressive record: 23-18-1 (one no-contest).