Joel Alvarez: Hand injury halts his return to UFC
Spanish UFC fighter Joel Alvarez, known as El Fenomeno, has suffered a hand injury that forces him to withdraw from his next fight. The injury halts his return to the octagon and cancels his scheduled bout against Benoit Saint-Denis on May 10 in Montreal. Alvarez suffered the injury during a mitt session. While throwing a jab, it impacted directly on his trainer’s elbow. This unexpected blow caused considerable damage.
“I hit the boss’s elbow,” Álvarez explained to the media La Nueva Españaconfirming the accident that has interrupted one of the most important fights of his career.
From lightweight to welterweight: A new chapter for Joel Álvarez
The injury not only delays Alvarez’s return, but also marks a turning point in his MMA career. He has now announced that his next fight will be in the welterweight division, leaving behind the lightweight division. This change surprised and disappointed his fans. Especially since he had been preparing intensively to face Saint-Denis, ranked No. 13 in the lightweight division.
Had he won, Alvarez could have returned to the division’s elite. However, this setback has redirected his path. Now, he faces new challenges, but remains optimistic.
The challenges continue, but so does the struggle
Throughout his career, Joel Alvarez has faced several obstacles. He has dealt with visa issues, extreme weight cuts and last minute opponent changes. Each of these challenges has tested his resilience. This injury is just one more hurdle, but it will not define his future.
“These things happen in a fighter’s career. We’ll come back stronger,” Alvarez said with determination.
Although he will not fight on May 10, one thing is clear: The Phenomenon is far from over.
