Alessio Di Chirico

Alessio Di Chirico is an Italian former mixed martial artist who competed in the Middleweight division of the UFC. Born in Rome on December 12, 1989, he became one of the few Italians to fight in the world's premier MMA promotion.

Known for his aggressive striking and relentless pressure, Di Chirico fought in the UFC from 2016 to 2022. His signature moment came in January 2021 when he knocked out Joaquin Buckley with a spectacular head kick, a finish that earned him a Performance of the Night bonus and a cash bonus from UFC president Dana White.

Since retiring in September 2022, Di Chirico has focused on his business, Gloria Gym, and remains a respected figure in Italian MMA. [edit]

Alessio Di Chirico grew up in Rome, where he developed a passion for combat sports and American football. He played American football competitively in Italy, a background that contributed to his physicality and competitive drive.

He began training in mixed martial arts and turned professional in 2011. Fighting primarily in Italian and European promotions, he quickly built a reputation as a powerful striker. He won the Venator Fighting Championship middleweight title and compiled a 9-1 record, which caught the attention of UFC matchmakers.

His path to the UFC was marked by years of hard work and sacrifice, as highlighted in his profile on Priceless.com, which described him as "the most shining Italian promise" in MMA. [edit]

Di Chirico made his UFC debut in November 2016 at The Ultimate Fighter 27 Finale against Julian Marquez. He faced a series of middleweight contenders, including a notable rivalry with Kevin Holland, whom he publicly criticized.

Entering 2021, he was on a three-fight losing streak. On January 16, 2021, at UFC on ABC 1, he delivered the defining moment of his career: a stunning first-round head-kick knockout of Joaquin Buckley, who had been one of 2020's breakout stars. The finish earned him a Performance of the Night bonus and a cash bonus from Dana White.

Following the win, Di Chirico left the post-fight news conference, leading to a backstage exchange with White. He later explained his subdued reaction was due to the emotional weight of ending his losing streak.

His final UFC bout came against Roman Kopylov at UFC Paris in September 2022, the promotion's first event in France. He announced his retirement on September 6, 2022, finishing with a professional record of 13-7-0. [edit]

Di Chirico is seen as a tough, no-nonsense Italian fighter known for aggressive striking and a never-say-die attitude. His fighting style featured powerful forward pressure, and his stocky build earned him the "Manzo" persona.

Media portrayals emphasize his resilience, particularly his comeback from a three-fight losing streak with a spectacular knockout. Since retirement, his public image has shifted to that of a gym owner and fitness coach, sharing Italian-language motivational content for aspiring fighters.

He is regarded as a pioneer in Italian MMA, one of the few Italians to compete in the UFC middleweight division. [edit]

Alessio Di Chirico, widely known by his nickname "Manzo," cultivated a dedicated following within the Italian MMA community rather than a global organized fanbase. His supporters are primarily hardcore enthusiasts who follow his career trajectory and celebrate his high-impact performances in the UFC Middleweight division. Unlike pop stars or global icons, Di Chirico's public profile relies on athletic prowess and specific fight narratives rather than a structured mythology or cult following. There is no official name for his fans, nor are there documented rituals like birthday billboards or charity drives funded by his supporters. The interaction between the fighter and his audience remains standard for combat sports, centered on social media highlights and post-fight interviews. While he maintains a loyal base through his Gloria Fight Center in Rome, this serves as a business entity rather than a hub for fan-driven campaigns or viral movements. His legacy is defined by verified moments like the spectacular knockout of Joaquin Buckley and the eccentric refusal to attend the subsequent press conference, stories that resonate deeply with his niche audience. Despite his status as a respected figure in Italian MMA, iFANN's Global Fame Engine has evaluated Alessio Di Chirico, but he does not currently hold a placement in the published rankings (Global Top 1,000 or a Top-100 scope list).[edit]

Di Chirico's nickname "Manzo" translates to "beef" in Italian, reflecting his stocky and powerful physique. Before fully committing to mixed martial arts, he played American football in Italy, a background that remains rare among professional fighters. His most legendary performance occurred in January 2021 when he knocked out Joaquin Buckley with a breathtaking head kick, a victory that secured him a Performance of the Night bonus. Following this upset win, Di Chirico famously shunned all media interviews, leaving the venue immediately after receiving his check and sparking discussions about his personality. Another iconic moment involves his accidental knockout of Julian Marquez at UFC on Fox 26, where he slipped and faceplanted while striking, inadvertently ending the fight. This bizarre finish earned him a Fight of the Night bonus and became a story fans still retell regarding his resilience. His final appearance at UFC Paris marked a historic card where he announced his retirement immediately after stepping out of the octagon.[edit]

Specific details about Di Chirico's family members, parents, siblings, and formal education are not publicly documented. He keeps his personal life private.

He was based at Gloria Fight Center throughout his career, which he later transformed into Gloria Gym, his post-retirement business. [edit]

Di Chirico's career intersected with several notable figures. He had a heated rivalry with Kevin Holland, whom he publicly criticized. His knockout of Joaquin Buckley was a major upset. He also fought Julian Marquez, Abdul Razak Alhassan, and Roman Kopylov. UFC president Dana White had a notable backstage exchange with him after the Buckley win. [edit]

Di Chirico has kept his personal life private, and no credible public sources document any romantic relationships, marriages, or children. As of 2026, his relationship status is undisclosed. [edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Alessio Di Chirico's net worth is estimated at $1 Million as of 2026. The bulk of his financial success stems from his ten-year tenure in the UFC, where he competed in 10 bouts between 2016 and 2022. Middle-tier UFC fighters typically earn between $10,000 and $50,000 per fight in base pay, plus win bonuses and performance incentives. His standout victory over Joaquin Buckley included a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus, significantly boosting his earnings during that period. Beyond the Octagon, Di Chirico generated revenue through his regional career in Europe and established a steady income stream since retiring. He now operates Gloria Gym, which generates funds through memberships and specialized training services. While specific figures remain private, his combined earnings from fighting and his current business ventures support this valuation.[edit]

Di Chirico won one Performance of the Night bonus in the UFC for his knockout of Joaquin Buckley at UFC on ABC 1 in January 2021. He also received a discretionary cash bonus from Dana White for the same performance. [edit]