Challenges in the Life of Andrei Arlovski in a Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Andrei Arlovski's life and career.

Andrei Arlovski is a Belarusian-American mixed martial artist and actor, best known for his career in the UFC. A former UFC Heavyweight Champion, he holds the record for the most wins in UFC heavyweight history with 23 victories. Beyond the UFC, Arlovski has fought in various other organizations including Strikeforce, WSOF, Affliction, EliteXC, ONE FC, and M-1 Challenge, marking a long and diverse career in professional MMA.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1994: Started Lifting Weights

In 1994, at the age of 14, Andrei Arlovski began lifting weights to build muscle and defend himself against bullies.

April 1999: Professional MMA Debut

On April 9, 1999, at the age of 20, Andrei Arlovski made his professional MMA debut at the Mix Fight M-1 in St Petersburg, Russia against Viacheslav Datsik, losing by knockout.

April 2006: Lost Title to Tim Sylvia

On April 15, 2006, at UFC 59, Andrei Arlovski lost his title to Tim Sylvia in a rematch, after being knocked out in the first round.

July 2006: Lost to Tim Sylvia by Decision

On July 8, 2006, at UFC 61, Andrei Arlovski fought Tim Sylvia in a rubber match, losing by unanimous decision after a five-round battle.

January 2009: Lost to Fedor Emelianenko

In January 2009, Andrei Arlovski faced Fedor Emelianenko at Affliction: Day of Reckoning, losing the fight via KO in the first round.

June 2009: Lost to Brett Rogers

On June 6, 2009, Andrei Arlovski fought Brett Rogers at Strikeforce: Lawler vs. Shields and lost via TKO in the opening round.

May 2010: Lost to Antonio Silva at Strikeforce

On May 15, 2010, Andrei Arlovski fought Antonio Silva at Strikeforce: Heavy Artillery, losing by unanimous decision.

February 2011: Loss to Sergei Kharitonov and Commits to Training

In February 2011, Andrei Arlovski was defeated by Sergei Kharitonov via KO at the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix Tournament, marking his fourth straight loss. He subsequently committed to training with Greg Jackson.

March 2013: Lost to Anthony Johnson

On March 23, 2013, Andrei Arlovski fought Anthony Johnson at World Series of Fighting 2, losing the fight via unanimous decision.

January 2016: Loss to Stipe Miocic at UFC 195

On 2 January 2016, Andrei Arlovski faced Stipe Miocic at UFC 195, where he was defeated via TKO in the first round.

May 2016: Loss to Alistair Overeem at UFC Fight Night 87

On 8 May 2016, Andrei Arlovski fought Alistair Overeem at UFC Fight Night 87. After a competitive first round, Arlovski lost the fight via TKO in the second round.

September 2016: Loss to Josh Barnett at UFC Fight Night 93

On 3 September 2016, Andrei Arlovski faced Josh Barnett at UFC Fight Night 93. He lost the fight via rear naked choke submission in the third round, marking his first submission loss in his professional MMA career. Both fighters earned the Fight of the Night award for their performance.

January 2017: Loss to Francis Ngannou at UFC on Fox 23

On 28 January 2017, Andrei Arlovski faced Francis Ngannou at UFC on Fox 23. He lost the fight via TKO in the first round.

June 2017: Loss to Marcin Tybura at UFC Fight Night 111

On 17 June 2017, Andrei Arlovski faced Marcin Tybura at UFC Fight Night 111. He lost the fight by unanimous decision with scores of 29–28, 28–27, and 29–27.

June 2018: Loss to Tai Tuivasa at UFC 225

On 9 June 2018, Andrei Arlovski faced Tai Tuivasa at UFC 225. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

September 2018: Loss to Shamil Abdurakhimov at UFC Fight Night 136

On 15 September 2018, Andrei Arlovski faced Shamil Abdurakhimov at UFC Fight Night 136. He lost the fight by unanimous decision.

April 2019: Loss to Augusto Sakai at UFC Fight Night

On 27 April 2019, Andrei Arlovski faced Augusto Sakai at UFC Fight Night: Jacaré vs. Hermansson. He lost the fight by a controversial split decision.

November 2019: Loss to Jairzinho Rozenstruik at UFC 244

On 2 November 2019, Andrei Arlovski fought Jairzinho Rozenstruik at UFC 244. He lost the fight via knockout in round one.

February 2021: Loss to Tom Aspinall at UFC Fight Night 185

On 20 February 2021, Andrei Arlovski faced Tom Aspinall at UFC Fight Night 185. He lost the fight via a rear naked choke submission in round two.

October 2022: Loss to Marcos Rogério de Lima at UFC Fight Night 213

On 29 October 2022, Andrei Arlovski faced Marcos Rogério de Lima at UFC Fight Night 213. He lost the fight via rear-naked choke in round one.

June 2023: Loss to Don'Tale Mayes at UFC on ESPN 46

On 3 June 2023, Andrei Arlovski faced Don'Tale Mayes at UFC on ESPN 46. He lost the fight via technical knockout in the second round.

January 2024: Loss to Waldo Cortes-Acosta at UFC Fight Night 234

On 13 January 2024, Andrei Arlovski faced Waldo Cortes-Acosta at UFC Fight Night 234. He lost the bout by unanimous decision.

June 2024: Loss to Martin Buday at UFC 303

In June 2024, Andrei Arlovski was initially scheduled to face Martin Buday on 15 June at UFC Fight Night 242. However, the fight was moved to UFC 303, which took place on 29 June 2024. He lost the fight by split decision.

April 2025: Global Fight League Cancels Events

In April 2025, the Global Fight League cancelled all upcoming events indefinitely due to an investor pullout after signing Andrei Arlovski in December 2024.