An interview with the always “Smile’n” Sam Alvey
Mixed martial arts are seemingly filled with fighters with huge egos who constantly put on a “tough guy” act. But there is a true class act among all these artificial demeanors, and his nickname says it all: “Smile’n” Sam Alvey is truly a man of the people and still has time to be a great fighter who has competed at the highest level.
Many fighters begin their careers at a very young age, but Alvey began in college, participating in Pankration. His MMA career began shortly thereafter but started on a bad note. Alvey lost via TKO in the second round, but persevered and won his next two. In July 2008, he began his professional career and amassed an impressive 11-1 record.
After a massive win versus Jason Guida, Alvey signed with Bellator, a huge promotion in MMA. In an interview with The Lamron, Alvey recalled the fateful moment that earned him that opportunity: “Bellator never wanted me, but I got a hometown decision,” said Alvey when speaking of his fight with Jason Guida.
Following his stint in Bellator, Alvey was selected to be on The Ultimate Fighter. Selected first overall by Ultimate Fighting Championship great Shane Carwin, Alvey was the biggest name going into the season. “I had to lose 40 pounds in 29 days,” said Alvey, showing his commitment to the sport. Unfortunately, he lost via majority decision in the first fight following the selections.
Onto the next promotion, Alvey signed with the Maximum Fighting Championship (MFC). He fought Jay Silva, winning via a third-round knockout and earning himself a title shot. Jason South was the only person who stood in Alvey’s way of greatness, but was no match for his dogged determination. After one successful title defense, the UFC came knocking.
Alvey would spend nearly a decade in the UFC, fighting some of the best fighters in the world. Despite all of the greats that Alvey squared up against, none of them stand out quite as much as “Suga” Rashad Evans, a UFC Hall of Fame member. In 2017, Alvey won via split decision against Evans, etching his name into UFC history. Despite his successful tenure in the company, he was released by the UFC in August 2022.
When competing at such a high level, routine is important: “My wife stretches me out every time backstage, and I say a locker room prayer,” Alvey said. Alvey praises his wife for her commitment to both his career and their family:
“I wouldn’t have had the career I’ve had without her. The only reason I made it as far and as long as I did is because of every decision she forced me to make. She has been to every fight, and I wouldn’t have had the career I had without her.”
Despite having fought for 16 years, Alvey is not done yet. Rejection after rejection has not stopped him, as he is now slated for a match on Saturday, May 27 against heavyweight Cameron Graham at B2 Fighting Series 183. This has come after months of fight offers falling through, but finally, “Smile’n” Sam Alvey will fight again. Given the recent World Wrestling Entertainment (WW)-UFC merger, Alvey dreams to jump off the top rope someday and continue his career in the WWE.
Sam Alvey has fought hard, literally and figuratively, for his prestige; he started with Pankration in college and wound up fighting one of the greatest to ever do it. His story is nothing short of inspiring, and his future is sure to be filled with more success. He concluded the interview with perhaps his most important message: “Follow me on social media and subscribe to my YouTube, @SmileNSam.”
Thumbnail Photo via Minute Media