Alex Nicholson (fighter)


Alexander Nicholson is an American professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the heavyweight division of the Professional Fighters League. A professional competitor since 2014, he has competed for the UFC and Legacy Fighting Alliance.

Background

Born and raised in Apopka, Florida, Nicholson played basketball growing up before being introduced to martial arts and boxing. In boxing, he was a Florida Golden Gloves Champion, as well as a state amateur Muay Thai champion, in which he was undefeated.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

After an amateur career in 2012 and 2013 where he held a record of 3-6, Nicholson made his professional MMA debut in February 2014. He amassed a record of 6 wins against 1 loss before signing with the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Nicholson made his UFC debut on February 6, 2016 at. He faced Misha Cirkunov on the card and lost the fight via submission in the second round.
In his second fight for the promotion, Nicholson faced Devin Clark in a Middleweight bout at on July 13, 2016. He won the fight via knockout in the first round.
In his third fight for the promotion, Nicholson faced Sam Alvey at on November 5, 2016. He lost the fight by unanimous decision.
In his fourth fight for the promotion, Nicholson faced Jack Hermansson at on May 28, 2017. He lost the fight via TKO in the first round. Subsequent to this fight, Nicholson was released from the promotion.

Professional Fighters League

In June 2018, Nicholson entered into the $1 million Heavyweight tournament held by Professional Fighters League. He faced |Jake Heun in the opening round at PFL 1 on June 7, 2018. He won the fight via knockout due to a flying knee in the second round. On July 19, Nicholson lost via TKO to Phillipe Lins at PFL 4. In October 2018, Nicholson defeated Jack May by TKO but then lost later that night via KO to Josh Copeland.
In June 2019, NIcholson entered the second season of PFL's Heavyweight tournament and lost a decision to Francimar Barroso. In August, he defeated Zeke Tuinei-Wiley. On October 31, Nicholson lost a rematch against Barroso again by decision. In December 2019, Nicholson was suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Commission for four years due to testing positive for three steroids.

Professional boxing

Nicholson made his professional boxing debut in 2015, a KO win. He fought again two months later and lost via KO to Simon Kean.

Mixed martial arts record