Andrei Arlovski isn’t done writing his story just yet. The 46-year-old former UFC heavyweight champion made an explosive entrance into the Misfits Boxing ring on Sunday night in Nashville, Tennessee, flattening Kelechi “Kelz” Dyke with a thunderous right hand in the fourth and final round.
The finish was as violent as it was nostalgic. With just over a minute gone in the final frame, Arlovski trapped Kelz against the ropes and unleashed a clean shot to the chin that instantly ended the fight. The reality TV star collapsed to the mat as the referee waved it off, sealing a memorable win for the Belarusian veteran.
A Knockout Worth the Wait
This was no ordinary boxing debut. For Arlovski, it was a reminder of the raw power that once made him one of the most feared heavyweights in the UFC.
Arlovski, known for his calm composure and trademark fangs mouthguard, showed flashes of his vintage form. After three measured rounds, he found his rhythm late, capitalizing on Kelz’s fatigue and inexperience. The finishing sequence was pure “Pit Bull” a sharp setup, perfect timing, and devastating execution.
This marks Arlovski’s third consecutive finish in 2025, following wins in bare-knuckle and Dirty Boxing bouts. Notably, it’s also the first time he’s scored a knockout since 2015, when he stopped Travis Browne in their wild brawl at UFC 187.
From the Octagon to the Boxing Ring
Once the UFC’s heavyweight king, Arlovski’s run in mixed martial arts stretched over two decades, featuring battles against legends like Tim Sylvia, Fabricio Werdum, and Stipe Miocic. After parting ways with the UFC following a split-decision loss to Martin Buday at UFC 303 in 2024, many assumed retirement was next.
Instead, the “Pit Bull” reinvented himself. In 2025 alone, he has competed under three different combat sports banners, Dirty Boxing, Bare Knuckle FC, and now Misfits Boxing — winning each time.
My manager told me you have an opportunity to fight in a boxing match. Would you like to? I said absolutely, let’s go.
Interestingly, Arlovski admitted he had no idea what Misfits Boxing was until after he signed on. “Shame on me, I never heard about [Misfits],” he joked. “But then I found out Tony Ferguson is fighting there. I guess I’ll find out soon.”
Kelz’s Tough Night at the Office
Kelechi “Kelz” Dyke, known for his appearances on Netflix’s Too Hot to Handle and MTV’s The Challenge, came into the bout with limited experience but decent athleticism. He had previously earned a knockout win over Big Tobz in his Misfits debut before losing to fellow reality star Chase DeMoor in 2024.
Against Arlovski, however, the gap in experience and composure was clear. Kelz fought bravely but struggled to deal with Arlovski’s timing and power. The fourth-round knockout was a harsh reminder that while Misfits Boxing thrives on entertainment, combat still demands respect for skill and danger.
Andrei Arlovski “Pit Bull” Eyes Bigger Names Next
Even at 46, Arlovski’s confidence remains unshaken. After the fight, he expressed interest in facing bigger names within the crossover boxing world including none other than Jake Paul.
Paul’s scheduled November bout with Gervonta “Tank” Davis fell through due to Davis’s ongoing legal troubles, leaving the YouTuber-turned-boxer without an opponent. Arlovski’s name now adds a surprising but intriguing option to the mix.
For Paul, a bout with Arlovski could provide a legitimate test against a former UFC champion with real striking pedigree. For Arlovski, it would be another chance to extend his late-career revival while testing himself against one of combat sports’ biggest draws.
Legacy Reinvented
It’s rare for a fighter to stay relevant more than two decades after their debut, but Arlovski has made it his trademark. The record holder for most wins in UFC heavyweight history (23), he continues to evolve while competing in entirely new arenas.
Since leaving the UFC, he’s gone 3-0 across three different promotions, a streak few could have predicted. What stands out most, however, is how much he still enjoys the fight. There’s no desperation, no bitterness just a veteran competing for the thrill of it.
If this was meant to be a one-off, it was the perfect statement. But given Arlovski’s tone and physical form, Sunday night in Nashville might only be the beginning of another chapter.
A Night to Remember
Misfits Boxing events are often dominated by influencer theatrics, but Andrei Arlovski’s performance reminded everyone that genuine combat sports excellence still has its place. In one punch, the “Pit Bull” stole the spotlight from the spectacle.
And as the cameras flashed and Kelz lay on the mat, one thing was certain, Andrei Arlovski’s fighting spirit remains as fierce as ever.
Follow FIGHTCORE for more updates.
Also read, Andrew Tate Takes Over Misfits Boxing From KSI — But Is It Real or Just One Big Show
