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Spike Carlyle, better known as “Alpha Ginger,” made a huge statement in his Octagon debut earlier tonight (Sat., Feb. 29, 2020) at UFC Fight Night 169 live on ESPN+ from inside Chartway Arena in Norfolk, Virginia, when he flattened fellow featherweight prospect Aalon Cruz via first-round TKO (elbow and punches).
Cruz entered the “Prelims” bout as the much bigger fighter, but that didn’t stop “Alpha Ginger” from getting inside and using his power. Carlyle scored a beautiful head kick that seemed to stun Cruz. The explosive newcomer followed his efforts up with a monstrous elbow in the clinch that put Cruz in serious trouble. Carlyle kept busy as the two went to the canvas and launched brutal ground-and-pound that forced the referee’s hand.
Check out the video highlights above courtesy of UFC/ESPN.
With this performance, Carlyle cashes in on a huge career opportunity and proves that he belongs in the UFC’s ultra-rich featherweight division. More finishes like this should quickly help “Alpha Ginger” make a name for himself in 2020, especially if he’s able to grab a hold of the microphone after victory.
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