Fight fans were treated to an epic start on the highly anticipated UFC 254: Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Justin Gaethje. The event kicked off with Joel Alvarez going up against Alexander Yakovlev in a catchweight bout. Ahead of the fight, ‘El Fenomeno’ failed to make weight; however, the UFC allowed him to compete after forfeiting 30% of his fees to his opponent.

In his fourth appearance inside the octagon, Joel Alvarez put up yet another clinic. He picked up another submission victory to record his third straight win inside the octagon.

Joel Alvarez registers yet another submission win

Taking on an MMA veteran in the form of Alexander Yakovlev, it was a quick night for Alvarez. Having faced the likes of Kamaru Usman, and with notable victories over former title contender Gray Maynard and Paul Daley, fans viewed Yakovlev as the stronger fighter going into the fight.

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However, it was an outing similar to his previous bout against Joseph Duffy for Joel Alvarez, who looked absolutely incredible on the night of the fight. With the victory, Alvarez now has 18 victories in 20 professional appearances and he has continued to prove his mettle time and again.

‘El Fenomeno’ started slow and landed several punches before Yakovlev went for a single leg takedown. It was all Alvarez from there who brilliantly executed an armbar to pick up a first-round submission. In the process, he sent a notice to the entire lightweight division.

The winning fighter credited himself for the win, as he called himself a submission artist in the post-fight interview. He said, “He has a good guard, I was able to get him in a triangle and fold the arm. I’m a submission artist.”

The Spanish fighter has now cemented his position among fighters at 155 pounds. ‘El Fenomeno’ will look to further polish his fighting skills as he takes on top-ranked contenders going forward.

‘El Fenomeno’ has helped fight fans get into the mood for a huge event with an electric start. Furthermore, the manner of his win could provoke fans to watch the PPV and help the UFC leave Fight Island with insane viewership numbers. What did you make of the Spanish fighter’s finish?