One of the most exciting fighters in the featherweight division appears to have left the UFC.
Alex Caceres, a longtime UFC featherweight and former headliner, has been a fixture in the Octagon since 2010. An alumnus of ‘The Ultimate Fighter 12’, Caceres competed on the UFC roster for 14 years, facing notable opponents such as Urijah Faber, Yair Rodriguez, Sergio Pettis, and Giga Chikadze.
While still listed on the active UFC roster, news of Caceres’ next fight destination is surprising, strongly indicating his departure from the promotion.
Alex Caceres Set for Fight Outside UFC in Dirty Boxing Championship
It was recently announced that Caceres is scheduled to fight former UFC fighter Saidyokub Kakhramonov not inside the Octagon, but instead at Mike Perry’s Dirty Boxing Championship event on June 14th in Miami, Florida.
Dirty Boxing is described as a new hybrid of combat sports, blending elements of MMA and boxing with four-ounce gloves. Fighters in this sport are permitted to punch, slap, elbow, and even land ground and pound on their opponents.
The featherweight bout between Caceres and Kakhramonov is set to serve as the co-main event for DBX 2. The main event features former UFC heavyweight contender Jairzinho Rozenstruik taking on Devon Schwan.
While Caceres’ name has yet to be officially removed from the active UFC roster, this booking outside the organization more than likely marks the end of his extensive 30-fight UFC career.
Caceres` UFC Career Highlights and Bonuses
Caceres leaves the UFC following a two-fight losing skid, having come up short in decisions against Giga Chikadze in 2023 and Sean Woodson around this time last year.
Known as ‘Bruce Leeroy’, he compiled a winning record of 16-13 with 1 No Contest in the Octagon. Across his UFC tenure, he earned approximately $400,000, which included eight performance bonuses for exciting fights and finishes.
A notable moment was his split decision loss to former interim champion Yair Rodriguez in their first main event bout in 2016, a fight that earned both men `Fight of the Night` honors.
The fan-favorite once achieved an impressive five-fight win streak in the featherweight division, securing victories over opponents like Chase Hooper, Kevin Croom, and Steven Peterson. This successful run propelled him into the top-15 rankings.
One of Caceres’ standout performances occurred in 2014 when he submitted former Bellator champion Sergio Pettis in an all-action fight that also earned Caceres significant post-fight bonuses.
Gareth Tenby