Arlovski Believes ‘Primetime Is Ahead’ Entering Twilight Of Career

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Andrei Arlovski is hoping to turn back the clock later tonight (Sat., Nov. 7, 2020) at UFC Vegas 13 live on ESPN+ from inside UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada, when “Pitbull” takes on rising heavyweight contender Tanner Boser in the co-main event. Arlovski will be out to prove he’s still a worthy name in the division so late into his career.

Arlovski, who turns 42 this coming February, is one of the most tenured fighters on the UFC roster today. The former heavyweight champion has logged 32 total trips to the Octagon and is easily one of the most recognizable names in the heavyweight division. “Pitbull” may not be the same fighter he was 10 years ago, but Arlovski continues to prove he’s good enough to compete against growing talent.

While most people have written Arlovski off either for his age or lack of success inside of the Octagon over the past few years, the heavyweight veteran actually believes his best days are ahead of him. With tremendous focus and dedication outside of the cage, along with a knowledgeable team around him, Arlovski is eager to show he has a lot left as he fights deeper into his 40s.

“I take care of my body. I choose what is most important for me now. There are not many UFC fighters over age 40 that are still fighting,” Arlovski told reporters at UFC Vegas 13 media day. “Who? Me, Alexey Oleynik, Yoel Romero, and Anderson Silva who fought last weekend. Listen, I have a great example in George Foreman, who became champion at age 46. Mark my words, for me primetime is ahead of me in near future.”

It would be hard to imagine Arlovski clawing his way towards a UFC title shot anytime soon, but the veteran contender is 2-1 in his last three Octagon appearances. Arlovski has looked a little more patient and calculated in his attacks of late and it has paid wonders in his fights. “Pitbull” isn’t absorbing as much damage as he used to and he seems to be in control of his fights just a little more.

If Arlovski wants to take out the faster and more explosive Boser at UFC Vegas 13 he’s going to have to lean on his heavyweight experience, world-class team, and new sense of confidence. Should Arlovski pull off the victory and snap Boser’s two-fight UFC win streak then it may be time to start thinking about Arlovski as a top 15 heavyweight entering 2021.

What so you, Maniacs? Does Arlovski have enough left in the tank? Are his best days really ahead of him?

Let’s hear it!

MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC Vegas 13 fight card this weekend RIGHT HERE, starting with the ESPN+ “Prelims” matches, which are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. ET, then the remaining main card balance on ESPN+ and ESPN2 at 10 p.m. ET.