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A fair contingent of fight fans were upset when UFC opted to release Brazilian striker Rafael Alves from its Lightweight ranks. Alves only won one of his first four UFC bouts, admittedly, but his three defeats came at the hands of Damir Ismagulov, Nurullo Aliev, and Drew Dober. That’s a trio of Lightweights who beat more than most on the roster, and more importantly, Alves proved himself ridiculously fun to watch in victory or defeat.
UFC’s loss turned out to be Karate Combat’s gain. Alves is undefeated since joining the KC roster, recently scoring one of the most brutal knockouts of the year over former UFC contender James Vick. He faced off with another ex-UFC Lightweight in Khama Worthy earlier tonight (Thurs., Dec. 19, 2024) at the Karate Combat 51 event in Miami, Florida.
In the first round, Alves put on yet another tremendous display of athleticism and his Capoeira background by flooring his opponent with a tremendous cartwheel kick. Worthy ended up surviving to the final bell and losing a unanimous decision, but it’s still a must-watch moment.
Check out the awesome sequence below:
What a KICK from Rafael Alves!
KC51 is on full blast and the fighters are going CRAZY in the pit.
KC51 | LIVE NOW ON YOUTUBE
KC51 is sponsored by:@hedera@Hex_Trust@deloreanlabs@deloreanmotorco pic.twitter.com/TxzJpFBCnE
— Karate Combat (@KarateCombat) December 20, 2024
Now 3-0 in Karate Combat and 1-0 in MMA since his UFC release, Alves is on an excellent streak. Likely, a Karate Combat title shot is in his immediate future, but it’s always possible UFC seeks to bring the exciting finisher back into the fold some time in 2025.
Insomnia
Muhammad Mokaev with a surprisingly strong clap back after Kai Kara France talked some trash. I still want to see Manel Kape vs. KKF …
More finishes than you in the UFC bro
Only been in ufc 2 years, had 7 fights and 4 finishes with 2 heavy injuries
You have been in the UFC 8 years
Now do the maths
Kape owns you btw https://t.co/Tm0SiAERBA— Muhammad Mokaev (@muhammadmokaev) December 18, 2024
CJI will not be a one and done, and round two sounds like a good bit of fun.
Craig Jones Announces New Format For CJI 2.
“8 teams, battling for 1 million dollars… Let’s see who truly is the best team in the world.” pic.twitter.com/xFSwFUNdwM
— Lock-In Jiu-Jitsu (@lockinjiujitsu) December 19, 2024
It would appear Christmas has come early boys.
Dear Santa: There’s only one thing I want for Christmas@Justin_Gaethje vs @danthehangman pic.twitter.com/uClEbNV9hl
— Bond. WonderBond (@wonderbondmma) December 19, 2024
— Justin Gaethje (@Justin_Gaethje) December 19, 2024
What was the most recent iconic, memeable moment on TUF? This is the last one I can recall.
Hard to believe that it has been over 12 years since the best moment in UFC history.
‘I am. I do.’ pic.twitter.com/tA46PyLhVx
— The Naked Gambler (bsky: @nakedgambling) (@NakedGambling) December 19, 2024
It’s been too long since we’ve seen Marvin Vettori in the Octagon.
So who wants to fight an easy top 10 guy on his way to retirement??
I’m ok with anyone, just my last few so maybe i can call it— Marvin Vettori (@MarvinVettori) December 19, 2024
An update to Patricio Pitbull’s attempt at scoring free agency from PFL:
Bellator is PFL’s property, many fighters didn’t fight a single time and many like me only fought once.
You said you’d honor everyone’s contracts and give them
2 fights this year. You didn’t. You cut over 70% of the roster and had many renegotiate their pay. (1/2) https://t.co/Zvx4NS45H8— Patricio Pitbull (@PatricioPitbull) December 19, 2024
As far as PFL providing everyone 2 fights this year, I really hope that’s what’s gonna happen and not because many more will be cut.
I want PFL to succeed, it’s good for the sport and for fighters.
That said, I want to leave right away. Can we agree to it this week? (2/2) https://t.co/Zvx4NS45H8
— Patricio Pitbull (@PatricioPitbull) December 19, 2024
Colby Covington may be upset, but Chael Sonnen is handling his Gilbert Burns business without issue.
Chael Sonnen responding to fans after Gilbert Burns leaked his phone number
(via @ChaelSonnen YT) pic.twitter.com/4n5ltPIezb
— Full Violence ™ (@Full_Violence) December 18, 2024
Jack Jenkins is known for breaking people’s legs, and Gabriel Santos is the most talented 1-2 UFC fighter I can think of. Banger alert!
Jack Jenkins will fight Gabriel Santos at #UFC312 on February 8th. (first rep. Australian MMA) #UFC #MMA #UFCESPN #UFC2025 pic.twitter.com/0bJBfOkPvj
— Marcel Dorff (@BigMarcel24) December 17, 2024
Slips, rips, and KO clips
A powerful open side kick crashes right through the guard for a finish.
RILEY PALMER HEAD KICK KO
He gets it done in under a minute #CFFC138 pic.twitter.com/dY8ZNBZkq9
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) December 14, 2024
Simply outstanding.
Bro walked off like nothing happened pic.twitter.com/xKKPy85ApZ
— ??????????? (@TheArtOfWar6) December 13, 2024
There’s a reason “keep your chin down” is a day one striking lesson.
ERIC NOLAN ONE SHOT KO #CFFC138 pic.twitter.com/YCe1AhrhdB
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) December 14, 2024
Random Land
I wonder how much that big ol’ block weighs.
Midnight Music: Pop, 2003
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.