Amid the excitement surrounding Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway, Joel Álvarez has announced his next fight. The Spanish fighter will face Drakkar Klose on December 14, 2024, in Tampa, Florida, in what will be UFC’s final event of the year.
This news, revealed during coverage of Topuria in Abu Dhabi, has already sparked anticipation. Álvarez had previously expressed his desire to return to the cage as soon as possible, and it looks like he’s in prime shape for this matchup.
Joel Álvarez
Joel Álvarez González, born on March 2, 1993, in Gijón, Spain, is a prominent figure in the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Competing in the UFC’s Lightweight division, Álvarez has built an impressive career since turning professional in 2013. He began training in MMA at the age of 18 at the Tibet Sports Center in Gijón. Early in his career, Álvarez fought primarily in his home country, amassing a 15-1 record. His success in Spain’s Ansgar Fighting League (AFL), where he claimed the Lightweight Championship, set the stage for his eventual UFC debut.
Álvarez made his UFC debut on February 23, 2019, at UFC Fight Night: Błachowicz vs. Santos, facing Damir Ismagulov but losing via unanimous decision. He bounced back quickly, securing victories over fighters like Danilo Belluardo, Joseph Duffy, and Alexander Yakovlev. Despite some challenges, including missing weight for two bouts, Álvarez has consistently showcased his submission skills, with 17 of his 21 career wins coming via submission. Notable wins include a First-Round TKO against Thiago Moisés and a brabo choke submission over Marc Diakiese in 2023.
In his most recent bout on August 3, 2024, Álvarez defeated Elves Brener by technical knockout, earning the Performance of the Night Award. Now standing at 21-3, Álvarez is scheduled to face Drakkar Klose on December 14, 2024, at UFC on ESPN 63. This upcoming fight could further solidify his position as a top contender in the Lightweight division.
Who is Drakkar Klose?
Drakkar Klose is an American Mixed Martial Artist known for his aggressive fighting style, competing in the UFC’s lightweight division. Since making his UFC debut in 2017, Klose has earned an impressive record of 15 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw. Despite not being one of the most active fighters, Klose has gained attention for his Four-Fight Winning Streak, which has made him a dangerous competitor. This string of victories includes notable wins over Joe Solecki and Joaquim Silva, with Klose demonstrating more authority in finishing his recent fights.
Klose’s journey to the UFC began with a strong amateur career, where he amassed a 7-0 record before transitioning to professional competition. After going undefeated in smaller promotions like Resurrection Fighting Alliance and World Fighting Federation, he signed with the UFC in 2016. His UFC career has been marked by consistent performances, including his debut win over Devin Powell in 2017 and a standout victory over Brandon Jenkins in 2022, which earned him a Performance of the Night award. However, despite his recent success, Klose has yet to break into the top 15 rankings in his division.
Outside of the octagon, Klose has a background rooted in wrestling, having won a State Championship in High School before pursuing mixed martial arts. Born and raised in South Haven, Michigan, Klose eventually moved to Arizona to advance his MMA career. He is married to fellow UFC fighter Cortney Casey, and together they have a son named Kingston, born in 2018. Klose is now preparing for his upcoming fight against Joel Álvarez on December 14, 2024, where he hopes to continue his rise in the UFC’s competitive lightweight division.
Fight Breakdown
Drakkar Klose’s aggressive style is notable, but he lacks the refined technique of a fighter like Joel Álvarez. Klose tends to charge forward with open arms, looking to land heavy blows, but he doesn’t have the reach or technical precision that Álvarez possesses. While Klose has shown good wrestling skills and ground control, Álvarez’s takedown defense is expected to be strong enough to neutralize those threats.
One intriguing aspect of this fight will be how Álvarez handles Klose’s submission threat, though Álvarez has proven capable of outgrappling opponents in the past. In this matchup, Álvarez seems to have the upper hand in striking and dictating the pace of the fight.
Is Álvarez the Favorite?
Despite Klose’s recent success, Álvarez is entering this fight as the favorite. His advantages in reach, technique, and experience in the top 15 give him a significant edge over Klose, who has struggled to break into the higher ranks.
All signs point to an exciting fight, but if Joel Álvarez maintains his current form, he could end the year with a big win.
