Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Joel Álvarez

How Joel Álvarez built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Joel Álvarez González is a Spanish professional mixed martial artist who competes in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He is known for his skills in mixed martial arts and participation in UFC events. His career is focused on competing at the highest level of professional MMA.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2013: Álvarez's Professional Debut

In 2013, Joel Álvarez started his professional MMA career and fought mainly in Spain. He accumulated a record of 15 wins and 1 loss in the first five years of his career.

February 23, 2019: Loss Against Damir Ismagulov

On February 23, 2019, Joel Álvarez faced Damir Ismagulov at UFC Fight Night: Błachowicz vs. Santos and lost the fight via unanimous decision.

June 1, 2019: Victory Against Danilo Belluardo

On June 1, 2019, Joel Álvarez faced Danilo Belluardo at UFC Fight Night: Gustafsson vs. Smith and won the fight via TKO in the second round.

July 15, 2020: Victory Against Joseph Duffy

On July 15, 2020, Joel Álvarez faced Joseph Duffy at UFC Fight Night 172 and won the fight via submission in round one.

October 24, 2020: Victory Against Alexander Yakovlev

On October 24, 2020, Joel Álvarez faced Alexander Yakovlev at UFC 254, winning via an armbar submission in round one. He weighed in at 159.5 pounds, exceeding the lightweight non-title fight limit, and was fined 30% of his purse.

May 15, 2021: Removal from UFC 262

On May 15, 2021, Joel Álvarez was scheduled to face Christos Giagos at UFC 262. However, Álvarez was removed from the bout in early May due to alleged visa issues that restricted his travel.

November 13, 2021: Victory Against Thiago Moisés

On November 13, 2021, Joel Álvarez faced Thiago Moisés at UFC Fight Night 197, winning via technical knockout in round one. Álvarez weighed in at 157.5 pounds, exceeding the lightweight non-title fight limit, and was fined 30% of his purse.

February 26, 2022: Loss Against Arman Tsarukyan

On February 26, 2022, Joel Álvarez faced Arman Tsarukyan at UFC Fight Night 202 and lost the bout via ground and pound TKO in the second round.

February 14, 2023: Withdrawal from UFC 284

On February 14, 2023, Joel Álvarez was scheduled to face Zubaira Tukhugov at UFC 284 but withdrew from the event for undisclosed reasons.

July 22, 2023: Victory Against Marc Diakiese

On July 22, 2023, Joel Álvarez faced Marc Diakiese at UFC Fight Night 224 and won the fight via brabo choke submission in the second round.

March 2, 2024: Withdrawal from UFC Fight Night 238

On March 2, 2024, Joel Álvarez was scheduled to face Ľudovít Klein at UFC Fight Night 238 but withdrew for unknown reasons.

April 27, 2024: Pull Out from UFC on ESPN 55

On April 27, 2024, Joel Álvarez was scheduled to face Mateusz Rębecki at UFC on ESPN 55 but pulled out due to undisclosed reasons.

August 3, 2024: Victory Against Elves Brener and Performance of the Night Award

On August 3, 2024, Joel Álvarez faced Elves Brener at UFC on ABC 7 and won the fight by technical knockout as a result of knees and punches in the third round. He also earned a Performance of the Night award.

December 14, 2024: Victory Against Drakkar Klose

On December 14, 2024, Joel Álvarez faced Drakkar Klose at UFC on ESPN 63 and won the fight by knockout via a flying knee and punches in the first round.

May 10, 2025: Withdrawal from UFC 315

On May 10, 2025, Joel Álvarez was scheduled to face Benoît Saint Denis at UFC 315 but withdrew from the bout due to a hand injury.

August 2, 2025: Unannounced Bout Against Grant Dawson

On August 2, 2025, Joel Álvarez was reportedly scheduled to face Grant Dawson at UFC on ESPN 71. However, for unknown reasons, the bout was not formally announced.