3 Reasons not to miss Joel Álvarez's return to the US

Written by: Ulises Izquierdo | Jaulamagacine.com

A few weeks ago, Spanish MMA received news that, perhaps due to the media supernova that was UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi , perhaps did not grab as many headlines as it deserved, and that is that Joel Alvarez would fight again this 2024 after his great victory against Elves Brener from last August .

The Asturian, who before his fight against Brener I had seen two fights fall apart before him Ludovit Klein and Mateusz Rebecki , are eager to prove that they deserve to be in the top 15 of UFC , and with that goal in mind, he will face Drakkar Klose next December 14th in Tampa, Florida.

The confrontation between Alvarez and Klose It is one of the best fights that will be seen in the lightweight division this year, and just in case you are not aware of the reasons why you cannot miss this return of the Spanish fighter to the cage, below we are going to give you 3 reasons as simple as they are key so that you cannot say that we did not warn you.

Joel Álvarez returns to the United States and resumes his activity frequency

That UFC The fact that Alvarez is a global company is beyond any doubt. However, it is also true that the bulk of the promoter's events are held in North American territory. Therefore, the fact that Alvarez can compete again in the United States is a reason for joy for his interests and more than enough reason for the Asturian to be mentally prepared to give the best possible show .

In recent years, Alvarez had had problems with the visa to enter the United States, seeing how fights were postponed for that reason and also that his fights had to be limited to the few evenings organized in Europe or the Middle East .

In February 2022, The Phenomenon fought against Arman Tsarukyan in Las Vegas, and since then, he has only been able to chain one fight in London in July 2023 and another in Abu Dhabi last August.

His fight against Klose In the United States, therefore, it also marks his return to a more normal frequency of activity for a fighter who throughout his career until recent years had fought every few months. Good news that could help Alvarez to place himself where he belongs, within the top 15 of the best promoter in the world.

A fight worthy of the Top 15

Although neither Alvarez nor Klose currently appear in the top 15 UFC lightweight fighter rankings, the reality is that both could be.

With his 21 finishes in 21 victories and his latest victory against Elves Brener, Joel Álvarez has amply proven his finishing talent and his killer instinct, and he may very well have fighters ahead of him in the rankings who have more weight due to their experience, such as Rafael Dos Anjos, or due to their commercial skills, such as Paddy Pimblett.

Whatever the case, reality dictates that the Spaniard is on par with these fighters, and a victory against Klose can confirm this. His rival, however, is no shoo-in either, as he has won 4 in a row and has a record of 15-2.

Unlike Joel, Klose's finishing ratio is very low, and this is one of the reasons why he has not gotten any closer to the rankings. That, and his highest level test against Beneil Dariush ended with a devastating KO for his interests.

A lineup that can compete with a numbered event

If these two reasons were not enough to convince you that the fight between Joel Álvarez and Drakkar Klose is going to be a must-see in 2024, perhaps a look at the card on which they compete will do the trick.

Despite not being a numbered event, this evening in Tampa has been the option chosen by UFC to close out the year, and the fights that will take place at the Amalie Arena are of the highest level.

Ian Machado, Garry and Joaquin Buckley will headline an event that will also feature Amanda Ribas and Mackenzie Dern, the immortal star of Cub Swanson facing Billy Quarantillo, and some highly-ranked flyweights such as Manel Kape and Bruno Silva.

Before these fights and the one between Joel Álvarez and Klose, Tampa fans will also be able to see in action the Peruvian Daniel Marcos against Adrián Yañez, the Mexican Fernando Padilla against Sean Woodson, or the Venezuelan Piera The Beast Rodríguez before Josefine Knutsson.

SOURCE: JAULAMAGACINE