Imagine a world where a record-shattering former powerlifter, who's conquered the strength battles of Australia, is dead set on crashing the UFC party—and he thinks the heavyweight scene is practically begging for someone like him! But here's where it gets controversial: Could a guy with barely any MMA bouts under his belt really storm into the Octagon at 33? Let's dive into this gripping story and explore why Alex Simon isn't backing down from his ultimate dream.
It all ties back to the UFC's heavyweight division, which has been facing some serious scrutiny lately. Earlier this year, Joe Rogan, the podcast king and UFC commentator extraordinaire, voiced his worries about how shallow and uninspiring the division has become. What was once a powerhouse of marquee matchups now seems to lack those superstar draws and emerging talents that get fans buzzing around the Octagon. For instance, fans used to thrill at giants like Brock Lesnar or Cain Velasquez dominating the scene, but today's roster feels thinner, with fewer must-watch fights.
Francis Ngannou, the former champ who bolted to the PFL, even hinted at a possible comeback, a move Rogan called out as a game-changer to revitalize interest. And this is the part most people miss: Into this vacuum steps Alex Simon, an outsider with colossal ambition who believes he can seize the moment and propel himself straight to UFC glory.
Born on December 11, as noted on EverybodyWiki, Alex Simon hits 33 today—a milestone for someone who's already etched his name in history as Australia's strongest man through powerlifting feats. But after smashing those records, he pivoted to combat sports, stepping away from the iron and into the ring. It's a bold leap, and one that's not without its challenges. After a boxing bout back in 2023, Simon has been sidelined, but that's all set to change this Saturday at GLORY Collision 8, where he'll face off against kickboxing legend Errol Zimmerman in his GLORY Kickboxing debut. GLORY, by the way, is one of the premier kickboxing promotions worldwide, known for high-octane, skill-packed fights that often feature crossover potential to MMA.
In a candid chat with Home of Fight, Simon opened up about his unwavering UFC aspirations, admitting the road hasn't been smooth lately. 'The UFC is starving for heavyweights,' he said plainly. 'I haven’t been active—I’ve had a lot of injuries and bad luck, leading to surgeries. But I’m training smarter now. At my age, I’m maybe not wiser, but definitely training with more smarts.'
Now, if Simon were gunning for a different weight class, say welterweight or middleweight, his path to the UFC at this stage—with just two MMA fights on his resume—would seem like a long shot, almost impossible. But heavyweights? That's where size matters, and Simon thinks his unique profile gives him an edge. 'Knock on wood, if I have a solid run from this fight into next year, rack up some big wins, get active again—I'm big, exciting, and marketable with my look. So, all I need is to knock a few people out, and doors will open,' he shared confidently. It's a strategy rooted in the heavyweight division's hunger for fresh faces; think of it like how Jon Jones or even Francis Ngannou brought that raw power and charisma to draw crowds.
Adding to his credibility, Simon has a secret weapon: He's been training alongside UFC heavyweight star Tai Tuivasa for over a decade. 'We started in 2014,' Simon revealed in the same interview. 'He beats me up all the time.' Tuivasa, who's returning to the Octagon after a 2025 hiatus at UFC 325 against Tallison Teixeira in Sydney, represents that Australian flair in the division. Simon hopes to join the likes of Tuivasa, Robert Whittaker, or even earlier heavy hitters from Down Under, proving that Aussie grit can thrive in the UFC.
But is Simon's optimism justified, or is he chasing a pipe dream that could dilute the division's prestige? Some argue that parachuting in inexperienced fighters might undermine the UFC's integrity, favoring spectacle over skill. Others say if it brings back the excitement, why not? What do you think—should the UFC roll out the red carpet for someone like Alex Simon, or stick to the tried-and-true? Drop your thoughts in the comments below; I'd love to hear if you agree with Rogan that Ngannou's return would save the day, or if Simon's 'marketable' edge is the real game-changer. Let's debate!
