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Andrei Arlovski

Andrei Arlovski is a Belarusian-American mixed martial artist best known for competing in the UFC’s heavyweight division.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Andrei Arlovski is a Belarusian-American mixed martial artist best known for competing in the UFC’s heavyweight division. He is a former UFC heavyweight champion and has fought professionally since 1999. Arlovski is nicknamed 'The Pitbull' and has been a prominent figure in the sport for over two decades.

Early life and background

Arlovski was born in Barysaw, Belarus, on February 4, 1979. He became an accomplished sambo competitor before moving into mixed martial arts, achieving the rank of International Master of Sport in Sambo.

Mixed martial arts career

He began his professional MMA career in 1999 and went on to become one of the most recognizable heavyweight fighters of his era. His record includes wins by knockout, submission, and decision across a long career spanning multiple major promotions.

UFC championship reign

Arlovski won the UFC heavyweight championship in 2005 and held the title until 2006. His career includes several notable heavyweight bouts and a long run in the UFC.

Later career

Arlovski continued competing into the 2020s, with his most recent UFC fight listed in June 2024. Coverage of his career emphasizes both longevity and durability in the heavyweight division.

Key facts

  • Turned professional in mixed martial arts in 1999.
  • Held the UFC heavyweight championship from 2005 to 2006.
  • Competed primarily as a heavyweight and fought for multiple major promotions, including the UFC.
  • Known by the nickname 'The Pitbull'.
  • Trained with American Top Team in later stages of his career.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Andrei Arlovski?
Andrei Arlovski is a Belarusian-American heavyweight mixed martial artist and former UFC heavyweight champion.
What is Andrei Arlovski's nickname?
His nickname is 'The Pitbull'.
When did Andrei Arlovski turn professional?
He turned professional in 1999.
What title did Andrei Arlovski win in the UFC?
He won the UFC heavyweight championship and held it from 2005 to 2006.
What is Andrei Arlovski's professional record?
His listed professional MMA record is 34 wins, 24 losses, and 2 no contests.

References

  1. ESPNhttps://www.espn.com/mma/fighter/_/id/2354269/andrei-arlovski
    Supports: nickname, division, height, weight, birthdate, team, stance, and MMA record
  2. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrei_Arlovski
    Supports: career start, sambo background, team history, record totals, and biography details
  3. UFChttps://www.ufc.com/athlete/andrei-arlovski
    Supports: pro career start, UFC heavyweight championship, career highlights, and fight outcomes
  4. Tapologyhttps://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/andrei-arlovski-the-pitbull
    Supports: full name, nickname, nationality, birth date, height, reach, record, weight class, and affiliation
  5. FightMatrixhttps://www.fightmatrix.com/fighter-profile/Andrei%20Arlovski/268/
    Supports: recent UFC fight date and UFC record context
  6. Combat Registryhttps://combatreg.com/fighters/Andrei-Arlovski:1C1B0969FAC99E77
    Supports: official fight record listing