A Farewell from the UFC Roster
Warlley Alves, a 34-year-old veteran of the UFC’s welterweight division, has announced his departure from the promotion, as MMA Fighting has confirmed. This marks the end of an eight-year journey that saw Alves go through a series of highs and lows, leaving behind a competitive and memorable legacy.
The Rise to Fame
Alves first caught the attention of UFC fans during the third season of The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil in 2014. Competing for Chael Sonnen’s team, he put on an impressive display, securing a trio of wins on the show. His success culminated in a submission victory over Marcio Alexandre Jr., which earned him the middleweight trophy in May 2014. This early triumph set the stage for his entry into the UFC, where he was expected to make waves.
A Promising Start
Once he joined the UFC, Alves immediately demonstrated his potential. Dropping back to his original welterweight class, he achieved a flawless 3-0 start, punctuated by two guillotine choke victories. His first notable win came against Nordine Taleb, followed by a submission over Colby Covington, who would later go on to become an interim UFC champion. These early wins solidified Alves as a formidable contender and hinted at a bright future in the organization.
Challenges and Setbacks
However, the MMA world can be unforgiving, and Alves soon faced his first major setbacks. He lost back-to-back decisions to Bryan Barberena and Kamaru Usman, the latter of whom would go on to clinch the UFC welterweight championship. These defeats dented his momentum and highlighted the fierce competition in the welterweight division, where only the most resilient fighters can thrive.
A Rollercoaster Ride
Alves’s career after these initial defeats was a rollercoaster of wins and losses. In the subsequent years, he managed to win just four of his next 10 bouts. Despite his resilience and continued efforts, the welterweight division remained one of the most competitive in the UFC, making every fight a challenge. His notable victories and occasional close losses kept him in the fray, but the consistent pressure took its toll.
The Final Chapter
The final chapter of Alves’s UFC career was marked by a series of tough losses. Between 2021 and 2024, he suffered four consecutive defeats, including stoppages to Jeremiah Wells and Ikram Aliskerov, as well as decision defeats to Nicolas Dalby and Abus Magomedov. These losses led to his release from the promotion. Despite the setbacks, Alves’s journey through the UFC has been one of determination and perseverance, qualities that have earned him respect from both his peers and the MMA community.
Legacy and Reflection
Reflecting on his career, Alves’s time in the UFC serves as a testament to the grind and unpredictability of professional MMA. His early success and subsequent battles against top-tier opponents have left an indelible mark on the welterweight division. While his departure from the UFC roster is a significant moment, it is also an opportunity for Alves to reassess his career and explore new horizons, whether it be in other promotions or new ventures. His legacy, defined by his fighting spirit and notable achievements, will undoubtedly be remembered by fans and fighters alike.
