Joel Alvarez and Drakkar Klose, UFC Tampa ceremonial weigh-ins on the Amalie Enviornment, Dec. 13, 2024 Credit score: Jay Anderson/Cageside Press
Lightweights Joel Alvarez and Drakkar Klose confronted off on the UFC Tampa preliminary card on Saturday, a part of the ultimate occasion of the 12 months for the UFC.
Alvarez had gained two straight, together with a Efficiency of the Night time-winning TKO, turning into the primary man to complete Elves Brenner in his final outing. Klose was on a good higher run, winner of 4 straight together with two Efficiency bonuses. That mentioned, tragedy struck Klose earlier this 12 months, as his brother, who typically helped scout his opponents, had been murdered.
Alvarez got here out together with his normal plodding strain, ready for a gap. He stung Klose with the primary proper hand he landed, forcing him to instinctively shoot a takedown. Klose slammed Alvarez to the ground, however after scooting again to the fence, the Spaniard was capable of work his method again up. As they obtained again into open area, Alvarez shocked Klose once more. When Klose’s again hit the fence, Alvarez jumped right into a flying knee that put him out chilly.
The scale distinction was very obvious the second the struggle began. “El Fenomeno” made good use, as he normally does, of his 6-inch peak and 7-inch attain benefits. His 100% end price stays intact and he’s absolutely deserving of ranked opposition subsequent. Maybe he’ll get to struggle in his dwelling nation subsequent because the UFC is trying to go to Spain in 2025.
Official Outcome: Joel Alvarez def. Drakkar Klose by knockout (Spherical 1, 2:48)
