Jim Alers

Jim Alers (born October 14, 1986) is an American professional bare knuckle boxer. A professional MMA fighter from 2008 until 2018, he fought in the UFC and is the former Cage Warriors Featherweight Champion.

Background
Alers attended University of Central Florida, where he graduated with a degree in elementary education. He began training in MMA at the age of 19.

Early career
Alers began competing in mixed martial arts in 2006 and made his professional debut in 2008 competing in regional promotions primarily in the lightweight and featherweight divisions in his home state of Florida. He also had a stint in Cage Warriors, where he was featherweight champion. He signed with the UFC in early 2014.

Ultimate Fighting Championship
Alers made his promotional debut against Alan Omer on August 23, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 39, filling in for an injured Tim Elliott. He won the fight via split decision.

Alers was expected to face Lucas Martins on July 16, 2015 at UFC Fight Night 45. However, Alers pulled out of the bout citing injury, and was replaced by Alex White.

Alers faced Chas Skelly on February 14, 2015 at UFC Fight Night 60. He lost the fight via TKO in the closing seconds of the second round.

Alers next faced Cole Miller on December 19, 2015 at UFC on Fox 17. The bout was ruled a No Contest after Miller was accidentally poked in the eye by Alers in the second round and was unable to continue.

Alers faced Jason Knight on July 23, 2016 at UFC on Fox 20. He lost the fight via split decision.

Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship
On June 22, 2019, Jim Alers defeated Elvin Brito via KO at 0:45 in round 1 at Bare Knuckle FC 6.

On August 10, 2019, Jim Alers defeated Leonard Garcia via TKO at 1:38 in round 1 at Bare Knuckle FC 7.

On October 19, 2019, Jim Alers defeated Julian Lane via TKO at 0:53 in round 2 at Bare Knuckle FC 8. After the fight, Alers stated he wants a shot at the title and wants to face the winner of Artem Lobov and Jason Knight.

Alers faced Kaleb Harris in the BKFC Super Welterweight Tournament quarterfinals at BKFC 10 on February 15, 2020. He won the fight via majority decision.

Alers is next expected to challenge Luis Palomino for the BKFC Super Welterweight Championship at BKFC 14 on November 14, 2020.

Professional grappling career
Alers competed in the welterweight edition of the 2023 Combat jiu-jitsu world championships on Jun 6, 2021. He submitted Bobby Emmons in the opening round with a rear-naked choke, before being submitted himself by Roberto Jimenez in the quarter-finals with a triangle armbar.

He was then invited to compete in the absolute grand prix at Submission Underground 24 on June 17, 2021. Both Alers and fellow MMA veteran Ronny Markes withdrew from the event on short notice, being replaced by Nick Maximov and Adam Sidelinger.

Alers was invited to compete in the welterweight edition of the 2023 Combat jiu-jitsu world championships on March 26, 2023.

Mixed martial arts

 * Cage Warriors Fighting Championship
 * CWFC Featherweight Championship (One time)