UFC lightweight fighters James Vick and Rafael Alves faced off in the main event of Karate Combat 47. The dramatic bout stunned the viewers with a brutal knockout. Alves claimed the win with a devastating head kick that left Vick unconscious on the canvas at the event in Orlando.
Vick was taken to hospital for evaluation
The ruthless encounter came to a climax with a perfectly timed kick to the head by Alves, which snapped Vick’s head back and he was instantly knocked unconscious. Vick’s body fell to the ground instantly, leaving his neck in a critical condition. This prompted the officials to call for immediate medical help. “The Texecutioner” was treated on the spot and was later taken for further medical check-ups. His coach has now given an update on his condition. He stated that Vick was responding before getting in the ambulance and now he is in the hospital and they are taking care of him.
Vick’s MMA career took a turn in 2018
Since leaving the UFC in 2019, Vick has compiled a record of 3-4 in boxing, MMA and karate. His current record in karate combat is 1-2. He fought in the UFC from 2013 to 2019 and at one point he was on a 9-1 run that put him at the top of the lightweight division. In 2018, when Vick faced Justin Gaethje, things changed for him completely. After threatening to end Gaethje’s career in the UFC, Vick was himself knocked out by him in the first round of their fight. He then went on to suffer three consecutive knockouts before ending his MMA career in 2021.
Alves has improved his karate record
Vick has since ventured into boxing and karate, achieving mixed results. Alves had a four-fight stint in the UFC between 2021 and 2023 and has remained unbeaten since his release. After a submission win in MMA last October, he has now improved his record to 2-0 in karate combat, with his last win coming against Efrain Escudero.
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The face-off between these two former UFC fighters, Vick and Alves, has added another layer of excitement and unpredictability to the sport, highlighting the high stakes and intense contest that continues to impress combat fans.
