Joel Álvarez emphasizes that The Phenomenon must remain contained. The first is the man himself,living his life; the second is a top-tier UFC lightweight contender,a formidable force in the sport. The Asturian MMA fighter has won over Spanish fans and is gradually gaining recognition across the Atlantic.Hailing from Gijón, Álvarez is a down-to-earth individual whose fighting prowess—22 wins, all by finish—has earned him a spot among the sport’s elite. Following his recent victory in Tampa, Florida, he has solidified his place among UFC’s top athletes. Now, he takes time to recharge with his family, strategizing his next move, scheduled for May. Simultaneously occurring, stay tuned to ABC MMA for updates on his journey and future plans.
-After your stunning KO in Tampa last December,how has life been back in Gijón? Has your growing fame changed things?
-Life hasn’t changed much. People in Gijón already knew me before the UFC, and it’s a small city—not like Madrid. Everyone knows everyone here. Sure, more people are aware of what I do now, but life goes on as usual.
-It was a tough year, but it ended on a high note. What was the first thing you did when you returned home?
-When I got home, my wife was at work, and my daughter was in school. I spent some time with my dog, relaxing on the couch. Taking him for a walk helped me process everything that had happened during those intense ten days in Florida. It’s easy to let moments pass without reflection, but it’s rewarding to see how the year turned around after a rocky start. That walk was therapeutic.
-What was the first meal you had after returning?
-I think it was a tub of ice cream I found at home. Honestly, I’ve eaten so much as coming back that it’s hard to remember (laughs).
-Have you seen a noticeable increase in your popularity since your last win?
-Absolutely. My social media following has skyrocketed, and I can feel the support from fans. What’s special is that they’re not just cheering for the athlete—they’re supporting me as a person. That’s something I’ve always valued. People used to root for El Fenómeno, but now they’re connecting with Joel Álvarez, and that means a lot.
-Do you ever feel like you’re juggling two identities?
-Not really. I’m always Joel Álvarez. The Phenomenon is reserved for the cage—it’s that aggressive, intense side of me that I keep locked away. That version of me is the one who might have caused trouble in the past, but now it only comes out when necessary. Outside the octagon, I’m just Joel—a laid-back, pleasant guy. But when it’s time to fight, I need that other side to take over.
-Does that aggressive side emerge during the weight-cutting process? It’s known to be grueling and mentally taxing.
-Yes,it’s essential. The weight cut pushes you to your limits, and that’s when The Phenomenon starts to surface. It’s a brutal process, but it’s part of the game. You have to embrace the struggle to come out stronger on the other side.
For him to step into the ring, he needs courage, and that inspires me to push aside distractions and focus solely on my goals. It’s about moving forward and achieving what I set out to do.
-Let’s dive into your recent fight against drakkar Klose. Ther’s a viral image where your opponent appears intimidated, and you’re charging forward. What was going through your mind at that moment?
-in the heat of the moment, everything happens in a flash. at this level, you pick up on subtle cues—body language, reactions to feints, and movement patterns. When I landed a hit and saw fear in his eyes, I anticipated his next move. That’s when I executed the knee strike we’d practiced extensively. Every detail in that fight was calculated.As an example, when he advanced, I countered with a liver hook, which visibly stunned him. That’s when I unleashed a flurry of strikes. It’s all about precision and timing.
-After the fight, did you discuss your performance with your manager, Ali Abdelaziz? What was his take on your victory?
-Absolutely. Ali advised me to maintain my weight and shared that the UFC was very pleased with my performance. I mentioned being ready to fight again by May, and he agreed, adding that he’d work on improving and renewing my contract. It’s all positive news moving forward.
-Before the Klose fight, you mentioned planning one more lightweight bout before moving up to welterweight. Though, you’ve now entered the lightweight top 15. Has this changed your outlook? Is the lightweight title within reach?
-Cutting to 70 kilos is grueling, but I’ve committed to one final lightweight fight. Fans are urging me to stay in the division, while others advise moving up for my long-term health.I’m taking it step by step. My next fight will be at 70 kilos, and then I’ll reassess. If I continue in lightweight, it would require careful planning—spacing out fights, extended weight cuts, and recovery periods. The toll on my body is notable, so I’d likely fight only twice a year.
-You’ve always emphasized that fighting is your job, a way to provide for your family. If your next win leads to top 10 or top 5 matchups, the financial rewards could be substantial. Wouldn’t that make staying in lightweight more appealing, even with fewer fights?
-Definitely. If the opportunity arises, I’d consider staying. Sean O’Malley once mentioned avoiding top-ranked fighters until his contract was renewed, and I see his point. While the pursuit of glory is important, my priority is supporting my family.Ali hinted at a potential contract renewal,so we’ll see how things unfold. If I’m offered high-profile matchups, I’ll take them. But the weight cut is undeniably tough.
-Will your next fight take place in the united States?
-I prefer fighting in Europe or Abu Dhabi, but it’s likely to be in the U.S.
-Who in the lightweight top 15 would you like to face next?
-Dan Hooker and Charles Oliveira stand out to me. I enjoy dynamic, entertaining fights, and both bring that to the table.
-What are your goals as you transition to the welterweight division?
-My primary focus is to stay active and reduce downtime between fights. The welterweight division is stacked with elite strikers, and those matchups excite me the most. I’m eager to test myself at this weight class. While I might sacrifice some reach, I anticipate gaining significant strength. This transformation is something I’m genuinely curious to experience.
-Are there specific opponents you’re targeting in welterweight?
-Absolutely. Vicente Luque and Santiago Ponzinibbio are two fighters I admire and would love to face. their styles and reputations make them intriguing challenges.
-You currently hold the UFC record for the highest finish rate, with 22 wins and 22 finishes (17 submissions and 5 knockouts). Does this add pressure to maintain your reputation as a finisher?
-Winning is always my priority, whether by finish or decision—though I’ve never actually gone to a decision (laughs). In my fight against Elves Brenner, I thought it might go the distance because he was relentless.But the moment he made a mistake, I capitalized and secured the finish. That instinct to end fights is ingrained in me; it’s part of my identity as a fighter.
-With nine UFC fights under your belt and increasingly lucrative contracts, how are you preparing for life after fighting?
-I’ve taken steps to secure my future. I work with a financial advisor and have invested in real estate.My house is paid off, and I’ve built a agreeable life with my car, motorcycle, and other assets. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved, especially coming from humble beginnings. My goal is to maintain this lifestyle post-retirement, enjoying the fruits of my labor without the physical toll of fighting.
-One of your most iconic pre-fight rituals is placing a rosary on your coach. How does faith influence your life and career?
-My faith is everything to me.In my darkest moments, turning to God has been my saving grace. Whether I’m struggling or celebrating, I talk to Him. It’s not about winning fights or physical strength—it’s about the peace and guidance my faith provides. That connection is irreplaceable and plays a central role in my life.
-Thank you, Joel, and best of luck in 2025 and beyond.
-Thank you so much!
T as intriguing opponents. Both are seasoned fighters with unique styles that would challenge me in different ways. Dan Hooker is known for his striking and durability,while Charles Oliveira is a submission specialist with amazing grappling skills. Either matchup would be exciting and a great test for me as I continue to climb the ranks.
-Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals in the UFC?
-My ultimate goal is to become a UFC champion.Whether that’s at lightweight or welterweight,I’m focused on improving every aspect of my game to make that dream a reality. I also want to continue inspiring others, especially in my hometown of Gijón, showing that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. Beyond fighting, I hope to build a legacy that my family can be proud of and to give back to the community that has supported me throughout my journey.
-what message do you have for your fans who have been following your journey?
-I want to thank everyone for their unwavering support. Whether you’ve been with me from the beginning or just started following my career, your encouragement means the world to me. I fight not just for myself but for all of you who believe in me.Stay tuned because the best is yet to come. Let’s keep making history together.
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