Andrei Arlovski Returns to Action at DBX 1 After UFC Exit

Andrei Arlovski, the former UFC heavyweight champion, is ready to step back into the cage for his first fight since parting ways with the UFC. On March 22, Arlovski will square off against Terrance Hodges under the Dirty Boxing banner at DBX 1. The highly anticipated event will take place at The Hangar at Regatta Harbour in Miami, featuring a headlining bout between Yoel Romero and Ras Hylton.

Arlovski, 46, ended his UFC tenure following a split-decision loss to Martin Buday at UFC 303. This marked his fourth consecutive defeat, leading UFC CEO Dana White to confirm the conclusion of Arlovski’s career with the promotion. Over his remarkable journey, Arlovski fought 41 times in the UFC, becoming one of the most enduring figures in heavyweight history.

Despite his exit from the UFC, Arlovski is far from done. He was recently drafted to GFL’s Team Los Angeles, proving his commitment to continuing his MMA career. At DBX 1, he will compete using four-ounce gloves, adhering to a ruleset that permits elbows and situational ground and pound—an environment that suits his aggressive fighting style.

Arlovski’s opponent, Terrance Hodges, brings a diverse skill set to the table. The 40-year-old began his professional MMA career in 2015 and has competed in boxing, muay Thai, and kickboxing. His most notable success comes in kickboxing, where he holds a 3-2 record, according to Tapology. Facing a veteran like Arlovski, Hodges will have to bring his best to the cage.The DBX 1 fight card is stacked with high-octane matchups, including:

Yoel Romero vs. Ras Hylton
Andrei Arlovski vs. Terrance Hodges
Ulysses Diaz vs. Brian Maxwell
Mike Breeden vs. Eric Moon
Maurice Greene vs. Rakim Cleveland
Bubba Jenkins vs. Gabriel Macario
Alexander Schenk vs. Tristan Gallichan
Robinson Perez vs. Oluwale Bambgbose
Claudia Zamora vs. Kat Nelson
Diego Romo vs. Sean Hotusing
Corey Jackson vs. Marcellus Wallace
Guilherme Bastos vs. Gabriel Morales

Arlovski’s return to the ring is highly anticipated, as fans are eager to see if "The Pitbull" still has the bite that made him a legendary figure in the sport.