Andrei Arlovski’s latest win didn’t just add another belt to his shelf. It reframed what a ‘comeback’ can mean at age 47, in a sport that usually writes people off long before that. The former UFC heavyweight champion walked into BKFC KnuckleMania 6 and stopped Ben Rothwell to become the promotion’s heavyweight champ, adding bare-knuckle gold to a résumé that already includes one from the UFC. That alone is rare, but the context behind it is heavier.

‘The Pitbull’ revealed he’s beaten cancer three times in 2010, 2013, and again last year, including surgery to remove a kidney tumor and 28 lymph nodes, plus chemotherapy. Suddenly, a BKFC title looks like just one more chapter in a story that already had impossible pages.

That’s why Conor McGregor’s reaction carried weight beyond hype. The BKFC co-owner posted on Instagram, “Andrei Arlovski is a hero. The reason the Belarus flag is on the UFC belt. Fought cancer three times. Is now the reigning BKFC HW champ!” The Irishman’s point was simple: the win stands on its own, but the road there makes it resonate even more.

Seizing the moment on ‘The Ariel Helwani Show,’ Arlovski spoke directly to those battling cancer, offering a raw and personal take on the fight that happens outside the ring. His words centered on mindset and the beauty of life, providing a powerful call to action for anyone facing a similar struggle. “Guys, life is beautiful. Don’t give up,” he said. “At present days, like, doctor has a lot of ways to treat you right and keep you alive. It’s everything in your head. If you decided to go through, you can do it. And you can be a winner of the battle against cancer. I’m a great example. I said that right after my fight and… nothing better than life. Life is beautiful. Keep fighting. God bless you guys who’s battle right now and stay healthy.”

Is this just a veteran soaking up a feel-good moment after a win? Not really. Look at the numbers and the timing. Arlovski debuted in MMA in the late 1990s. He won UFC gold two decades ago. In 2026, he’s still beating heavyweights, including Rothwell, whom he’s now beaten three times across MMA and BKFC. That’s not normal longevity in combat sports. But, much like Daniel Jacobs or George Foreman, “The Pitbull” is still here—still competing, and still winning titles.

What makes his message land is that it isn’t preachy, as he talked about effort, mindset, and using the tools available to overcome cancer. And it’s why Conor McGregor calling him a “hero” didn’t feel like an exaggeration. In a sport defined by knockouts, Arlovski’s biggest wins came away from the cage, and now he’s helping others fight the same battle.

Andrei Arlovski gets emotional as he reveals the impact of sharing his cancer story with fans

The impact of Arlovski sharing his story was immediate. On ‘The Ariel Helwani Show,’ he admitted he never planned to talk about his cancer battles publicly until his wife pushed him to share the story. Once he did, the response surprised him.

According to him, “I started Arlovski Method. It’s my new project, and actually I was surprised how many people DM’d me messages about how it’s powerful for them. Motivating them. How people need this stuff. When I read it, I got tears in my eyes.”

‘The Pitbull’ also said he wants to be open about his cancer journey. Reflecting on his journey, he now feels ready to share that experience publicly to help others. The core of his message hasn’t changed; it’s still simple and grounded.

“The most important thing is never give up, because life is beautiful. Just keep fighting, guys.” It’s the same line he delivered after his BKFC title win, a message he’s now championing for a cause that extends far beyond a single fight night.

The timing makes the win even more significant. It came just days after his 47th birthday and the anniversary of his first UFC title win—a ‘great present,’ as he called it, to add another championship 21 years later. By sharing his journey with the world, Andrei Arlovski is offering proof that setbacks don’t have to be the end of the story. And his victory isn’t just another title; it’s a testament that the toughest fights often happen outside the cage, and that victory is always possible.