Podcast - Chats with Ben
Episode 18: World Heavyweight Champion Sam Alvey
In this episode, Ben welcomes World Heavyweight Champion Sam Alvey.
Known for his fierce presence in the ring and ever-present smile, Sam shares his journey through MMA, his thoughts on the sport's evolution, and what it takes to reach—and stay at—the top. Don’t miss these exclusive insights from a true champion!
A native of Wisconsin, Sam Alvey balanced football, wrestling, and music at Waterford Union High School, playing trumpet in the school band and later semi-professionally at Lakeland College. His interest in striking began in a Kenpo dojo, and he soon moved into Pankration competitions. Eventually, he trained under MMA legend Dan Henderson, rising to the sport's top ranks and developing signature moves like the "A-Bomb" and "Alvey Bum Rush." Known as "Smile’n Sam" for his ever-present smile, Alvey’s disarming charm has often thrown opponents off-balance in the lead-up to fights.
With 35 professional wins, Alvey now takes on new challenges in Karate Combat, where he’s earned the title "Baddest Karateka in the World." Living in Tennessee with his wife, model McKey Alvey, six children, three dogs, two horses, 16 goats, and 30 chickens, Alvey continues to train. At Karate Combat 43 in Las Vegas, he achieved the title of inaugural Karate Combat Heavyweight World Champion, with his wife, herself a karate expert, proudly in his corner.
