Joel Álvarez moves up to welterweight in the UFC: goodbye to the suffering of 70 kg

Joel Álvarez , the most promising Asturian MMA fighter in Spain, is definitively abandoning the lightweight division (70 kg) and moving up to the welterweight division (77 kg / 170 lbs) of the UFC , where he will be able to compete closer to his natural weight of 90 kg and leave behind the extreme cuts that marked his career for years.

From 70 to 77 kg: the logical leap of an Octagon giant

At 1.91 meters tall , Joel Álvarez has always been considered an unusual lightweight. To break into the 70 kg category, the Gijón native had to undergo extreme weight cuts , pushing his body to the limit with each cut. He has acknowledged on many occasions that the cuts sapped his strength, explosiveness, and even affected his mental performance.

After several resounding victories and consolidating his position as a Spanish figure in the UFC , Joel has officially announced his move to welterweight, where he will be able to compete in better physical and mental condition .

"My actual weight is 90 kilos. I've been trying to get down to 70 kilos to fight for years, but it's no longer worth it. As a welterweight, I feel strong, fast, and I don't have to torture myself with every training session," the fighter stated on his social media.

The price of fighting below your weight

Weight cutting is common practice in MMA, but when a fighter of Joel Álvarez's stature drops 20 kg to compete , the scales always take their toll.

• Joel Álvarez's real weight: 90 kg

• Competition weight (light): 70.3 kg

• New UFC weight: 77 kg (welterweight)

• Joel Álvarez height: 1.91 m

This change not only better aligns his physique with the division, but also improves his post-weigh-in recovery, increases his fight performance, and allows him to train without obsessing over the scale .

Joel Álvarez in the UFC: New era, same warrior

The "Phenomenon," as he is known in the MMA world, will soon debut in the UFC as a welterweight , where there is already speculation that he could face top-15 opponents, thanks to his winning streak and the respect he has earned inside the Octagon.

Recent UFC performances:

• Brutal submission to Marc Diakiese

• Technical knockout of Elves Brener

• Dominant display against Drakkar Klose

Despite his recent inactivity due to a hand injury, Joel Álvarez remains one of the most feared fighters for his blend of sharp jiu-jitsu and devastating striking.

GET READY TO SEE THE BEST VERSION OF ASTURIAN IN THE COMING MONTHS

The remainder of this year—and beyond—will undoubtedly mark the best stage of Joel Álvarez's career . The founder of the current clothing brand that is triumphing within the world of MMA and street fashion in Spain is convinced that the best is yet to come . His jump to welterweight is not only a strategic decision, but also a physical and mental liberation that will allow him to be much more active in the company , compete more frequently, and showcase his full potential without the limitations of an extreme weight cut. Get ready, because "The Phenomenon" is coming back stronger, bigger, and more dangerous than ever .