Former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski is planning his subsequent struggle. The web consideration financial system hardly ever rests, and the aftermath of Jake Paul’s knockout loss to Anthony Joshua proved to be no exception. What occurred backstage at Miami’s Caseya Heart on Dec. 19 has since morphed into one thing way more calculated: a proper problem to a match that either side have formally agreed to pursue.
Andrei Arlovskiy’s administration admitted it: the battle has begun
Though the incident itself is mostly clear, the small print are nonetheless debated. Former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski, 46, was shifting across the venue after the primary occasion when he discovered himself in an altercation with content material creator Jack Doherty’s entourage.
Doherty’s account mentioned Arlovski initiated the contact and hit the cameraman earlier than firing the kick. Arlovsky’s model differs broadly, saying he merely requested what was occurring earlier than being attacked by a number of individuals. Video proof from a number of angles suggests Doherty’s affiliate threw the primary punch and Arlovski responded decisively. The confrontation rapidly escalated, with Arlovski attacking two members of Doherty’s group whereas Doherty himself remained hidden behind his bodyguard Cain Kong.
Relatively than let the incident disappear into an infinite scroll of web drama, either side got here collectively. Arlovski appeared on The Ariel Helwani Present on December 23 and publicly expressed his need to struggle Doherty’s bodyguard. Mr Helwani requested instantly: “Is one thing coming from this?” Arlovsky replied: “You have got extra connections, so please join with me. Sure, I might like to, particularly with that bodyguard man.”
Doherty posted his personal video problem the identical day, instantly providing Arlovski a match towards his bodyguard with a monetary incentive. “My safety goes to cease that Andre man,” Doherty mentioned in an announcement, promising each fighters “the most important payday of their lives.” He additionally offered different choices: a one-on-one match between himself and Arlovski, or a three-on-one state of affairs during which he and two of his comrades struggle the veteran on the similar time.
The essential level is that either side have formally reached an settlement. Abe Kawa of Arlovski’s administration workforce, First Spherical Administration, confirmed to MMA Preventing that “we absolutely embrace the problem” and are presently working to acquire Doherty’s contact data to finalize preparations. This represents a significant shift in angle and there’s a documented settlement shifting ahead.
Dougherty’s bodyguard, Kane Kong, is 6 ft 9 inches tall and weighs about 370 kilos. Regardless of Arlovski’s bodily benefits, there are main obstacles in Arlovski’s household tree. The previous UFC heavyweight champion boasts 25 years {of professional} combating expertise in MMA, bare-knuckle boxing, and conventional boxing. Arlovski has competed in boxing codecs since leaving the UFC following a cut up resolution loss to Martin Boudei at UFC 303 in June 2024. His current accomplishments embrace knockout wins at Soiled Boxing (DBX 1 in March) and Naked Knuckle Preventing Championship (stopping Josh Copeland at BKFC 76 in June). He’s scheduled to struggle Ben Rothwell for the BKFC Heavyweight Championship on February 7, 2026 at Knucklemania in Philadelphia.
Who’s Jack Doherty?
Web persona Jack Doherty is greatest recognized for standing behind his bodyguard after making an attempt to impress a struggle.
