Joel Álvarez

Joel Álvarez (born March 2, 1993) is a Spanish mixed martial artist who competes in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Background
Álvarez was born in Gijón, Spain, on March 2, 1993, and spent his childhood in the neighborhood of the Pumarín industrial park. When he was 18 years old, he began to practice mixed martial arts at a local gym, the Tibet Sports Center, and later made his debut in several tournaments at the regional level.

Early career
A professional competitor since 2013, Álvarez fought primarily in his native Spain and garnered a record of 15 wins against 1 loss in the first five years of his career. He was undefeated in the Spanish promotion Ansgar Fighting League (AFL), where he was the Lightweight Champion, after defeating Brazil's Julio César Alves by submission in the second round.

Ultimate Fighting Championship
In his debut, Álvarez faced Damir Ismagulov on February 23, 2019, at UFC Fight Night: Błachowicz vs. Santos. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Álvarez faced Danilo Belluardo on June 1, 2019, at UFC Fight Night: Gustafsson vs. Smith. He won the fight via TKO in the second round.

Álvarez faced Joseph Duffy on July 15, 2020, at UFC Fight Night 172. He won the fight via a submission in round one.

Álvarez faced Alexander Yakovlev on October 24, 2020, at UFC 254. At the weigh-ins, Álvarez weighed in at 159.5 pounds, three and a half pounds over the lightweight non-title fight limit. The bout proceeded at catchweight and he was fined 30% of his purse, which went to his opponent Yakovlev. He won the fight via an armbar submission in round one.

Álvarez was scheduled to face Christos Giagos on May 15, 2021, at UFC 262. However, Álvarez was removed from the bout in early May due to alleged visa issues that restricted his travel, and was replaced by Sean Soriano.

Álvarez faced Thiago Moisés on November 13, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 197. At the weigh-ins, Álvarez weighed in at 157.5 pounds, one and a half pounds over the lightweight non-title fight limit. The bout proceeded at a catchweight with Álvarez fined 30% of his purse, which went to Moisés. Álvarez won the fight via technical knockout in round one.

Álvarez faced Arman Tsarukyan on February 26, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 202. He lost the bout via ground and pound TKO in the second round.

Álvarez was scheduled to face Zubaira Tukhugov on February 14, 2023, at UFC 284. However, Álvarez withrew from the event for undisclosed reasons and he was replaced by promotional newcomer Elves Brenner.

Álvarez faced Marc Diakiese on July 22, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 224. He won the fight via brabo choke submission in the second round.

Álvarez was scheduled to face Ľudovít Klein on March 2, 2024, at UFC Fight Night 238. However, Álvarez withdrew for unknown reasons and was replaced by AJ Cunningham.

Álvarez was scheduled to face Mateusz Rębecki on April 27, 2024, at UFC on ESPN 55. However, Álvarez pulled out due to undisclosed reasons.

Álvarez is scheduled to face Elves Brener on August 3, 2024, at UFC on ABC 7.