Veteran UFC featherweight Alex Caceres, a fighter popular for his exciting performances, appears to have concluded his extensive career with the promotion. Caceres has been a fixture in the Octagon since 2010.
An alumnus of `The Ultimate Fighter 12`, Caceres has spent 14 years on the UFC roster, competing against notable opponents such as Urijah Faber, Yair Rodriguez, Sergio Pettis, and Giga Chikadze.
Although he is currently still listed on the official active UFC roster, recent news regarding Caceres` next fight is quite unexpected.
Alex Caceres Schedules Fight Outside UFC at Dirty Boxing Championship
Earlier this week, an announcement revealed that Caceres is booked to face former UFC fighter Saidyokub Kakhramonov. However, this bout will not take place inside the Octagon, but rather at Mike Perry’s Dirty Boxing Championship event scheduled for June 14th in Miami, Florida.
Dirty Boxing is a new form of combat sport combining elements of MMA and boxing, utilizing four-ounce gloves. Participants are permitted to use punches, slaps, elbows, and even ground and pound strikes.
The featherweight clash between Caceres and Kakhramonov is slated to be the co-main event for DBX 2, with former UFC heavyweight contender Jairzinho Rozenstruik headlining against Devon Schwan.
While Alex Caceres` name remains on the active UFC roster list for now, this upcoming booking outside the promotion strongly suggests the conclusion of his 30-fight career under the UFC banner.
Dirty Boxing Championship officials did not immediately respond when asked for comment regarding Caceres` potential UFC release status.
Highlights from Alex Caceres` UFC Career
Caceres leaves the UFC following back-to-back decision losses to Giga Chikadze in 2023 and Sean Woodson approximately a year ago.
`Bruce Leeroy` compiled a UFC record of 16 wins and 13 losses, with one no-contest. Over his tenure, he was recognized for his exciting style, earning $400,000 in performance bonuses, with a total of eight such awards.
In 2016, Caceres headlined an event against former interim champion Yair Rodriguez, taking him to a split decision in a fight that earned both competitors `Fight of the Night` honors.
The fan-favorite fighter once put together an impressive five-fight winning streak in the featherweight division, securing victories over opponents like Chase Hooper, Kevin Croom, and Steven Peterson, which propelled him into the top-15 rankings.
Among his standout performances was a 2014 bout where he submitted former Bellator champion Sergio Pettis in an action-packed fight that earned Caceres a significant $100,000 in post-fight bonuses.
Gareth Pendleton