Andrei Arlovski quickly turned page from UFC run to new beginning at Dirty Boxing

Andrei Arlovski has no regrets about his two runs with the UFC, but his sights are solely on the future, not the past.

Arlovski’s next step is into the Dirty Boxing ring on Saturday in Miami as the former UFC heavyweight champ makes his promotional debut in the co-main event of Dirty Boxing 1 against Terrance Hodges. “The Pit Bull” recently ended a decade-long second stint in the octagon, and when asked about his biggest takeaways from that chapter in his life, it was all about what’s next.

“I’m just in the beginning,” Arlovski told MMA Fighting. “100 percent [looking forward in my career].”

The 46-year-old Arlovski gets to start from scratch in not one, but two different promotions, as he is signed to the new GFL organization where he was drafted by the Los Angeles team.

Before his MMA career continues, Arlovski gets to experience Dirty Boxing’s official launch to the world after a soft opening, of sorts, this past November.

“It’s wild, so I like it,” Arlovski said. “[The first event] had flying punches [in boxing], it was fun. Plus, the introduction of ‘Platinum’ Mike [as a promoter] did a lot. So I’m very excited.”

After winning four straight fights from April 2021 to April 2022, Arlovski concluded his final UFC run with four consecutive losses — including a split decision in his most recent fight against Martin Buday at UFC 303 this past June.

Arlovski won’t allow that to discourage him; in fact, it’s only motivated the 60-fight MMA veteran to keep going.

“I’m a happy fighter because I still have fire in my eyes,” Arlovski said. “I just waited, and I’m excited to fight. It’s going to be something new for me. It’s a new page for me. I don’t [care] what’s happened in the past. It’s the past. Great past, of course, but I live in the present and I’m looking forward in the future, so I’m very excited.

“I’m very excited and I really appreciate strong management and their advice and [for Dirty Boxing] to give me that opportunity to turn up myself before my fight in GFL.”