“Smilin’” Sam Alvey’s sunny disposition has been a mainstay in the UFC for just shy of eight years. But the happy-go-lucky light heavyweight admitted he may have to step away from the octagon following his latest loss.
Alvey was submitted in the second round by fight-week replacement, middleweight Brendan Allen, at UFC Vegas 47 in a defeat that took his winless run to eight fights – seven defeats and one draw.
For Alvey, it was a sign that things need to change and, while his love and enthusiasm for the sport remains undimmed, the 52-fight veteran admitted his performances haven’t been up to the standards he sets for himself.
“I’ve lost a step,” he admitted in a video posted to Instagram shortly after his defeat on Saturday night.
“Something needs to change and I’m going to make the correction.
“I’m not done fighting, but I love this sport and you know what? God has blessed me. God – I raise God’s name on high. I would not have the career I’ve had without Him, and I really have had a good career. I’ve had a long career.
“I’ve had – shoot – that was my 23rd fight in the UFC. I’ve had a career that people dream of. I’m not done fighting, but I know I need to take a little bit of a hiatus.”
In a follow-up video, Alvey continued, “Unfortunately, it didn’t go my way again.
“It’s very disappointing to me. I’ve put in the work, and I know he has, too, and everyone does, too. I know it’s a sport of inches and I’ve been inches short, so I have to figure it out – and I’m going to.
“I love what I do. I love this sport and everything about it. I’m going to take a little bit of time off – let my brain rest, let my body heal – and I’m not going to miss a day of practice. I’m going to get back in the room this Monday.
“I love you guys. I love the support and thanks for everything.”
Given his poor run of form, it seems unlikely that Alvey may have fought his last bout in the UFC for a while, but it’s clear that “Smilin’ Sam” hasn’t quite called time on his career just yet.