Alex Polizzi
Record: 5-0
Age: 28
Weight class: Light heavyweight
Height: 6’0″
Birthplace: Beloit, Wis.
Next Fight: Feb. 21 vs. Jamal Pogues (7-2) at LFA 82 in Prior Lake, Minn. (UFC Fight Pass)
Background: Born and raised in Wisconsin, [autotag]Alex Polizzi[/autotag] mostly has competed on the Midwest regional scene. He’s never gone the distance, picking up three TKOs and two submission victories under his belt. All of this has been accomplished in his first 18 months as a professional. In his most recent outing, Polizzi defeated UFC veteran Daniel Jolly by first-round stoppage due to strikes. LFA 82 will be his first major headliner.
The Skinny: Despite his NCAA wrestling background from Northwestern University, Polizzi has a 100 percent finishing rate through five professional fights. There’s something to be said for that. He’s not interested in just grinding out guys. He’s willing to venture out of his comfort zone in order to end a fight – and he’s been successful at it. A win over a “Dana White’s Contender Series” and Bellator alum Pogues could very well earn Polizzi a shot in the major leagues. After all, 20-something-old light heavyweights are a hot commodity these days, right?
In his own words: “It’s kind of cliche for a lot of fighters to say they’re going to be champion. My style is a little unorthodox. … I know I’m not the most technically sound fighter. What I strive for in all of my fights is to make sure if you fight me, win, lose, or draw, you’ll never want to fight me again. …
“In the fights I’ve had, I’m not afraid to expand outside of what’s orthodox within MMA, within the wrestling, within the muay Thai, within the boxing. I’m not afraid to step outside those skillsets and do some unconventional moves. I’ll do unconventional attacks. I’m just hoping people can enjoy watching me do what I do. I’m always having fun out there and I just hope the people watching are having half the fun. That’s what makes it all worth it.”