Former UFC welterweight title challenger Thiago Alves is making the transition to bare knuckle fighting after his reign with the UFC comes to an end.
‘Pitbull’ ended his reign with the UFC in December when his contract expired and has been a free agent since.
And the former title challenger has now signed with Philadelphia-based promotion Bare Knuckle FC.
Money
There’s been a lot of speculation as to where Alves’ next career move would take him, and the Brazilian had recently revealed that money would be the motivating factor in his decision.
He told MMA Junkie: “The money has to be right,”
“I’ve been making six figures with the UFC since 2008.”
“If the money doesn’t make sense, then I’m happy to walk away.”
“I’d like to fight, but only if the money makes sense.”
‘Thirsty for Blood!’
There have been multiple options the 36-year-old, and a move to PFL or Bellator had looked the most likely.
But the welterweight has decided to hang up his gloves and instead ply his trade with Bare Knuckle FC.
In a BKFC press-release, Alves said: “I’m very excited to be part of the BKFC family,”
“I’m looking forward to testing my skills against anyone in my weight class.”
“‘The Pitbull’ is thirsty for blood!”
BKFC president David Feldman said the promotion is excited to have such a prestigious fighter join their ranks.
“Thiago Alves has been a staple in the UFC for a long time,” he said.
“It’s amazing to have a fighter of this stature, and of this caliber, fighting for BKFC.”
“Alves brings it each and every time he gets into the ring.”
“On top of being a great fighter, he’s also a great person. That’s who we are aligning ourselves with.”
‘Living my Dream’
Although his 14 year tenure with the UFC has come to an end, Alves says he is grateful for everything he’s achieved in his career, and is proud of his achievements to date.
Looking back over his career, Alves said: “I left Brazil at 19 to start a fighting career and I accomplished way more than I ever dreamed of,”
“I never imagined I’d be speaking English with you and living in America in a beautiful house, being married, and this and that.”
“So I’ve been living my dream since I was 19.”
“So I’m happy with that. I’m fulfilled with that.”
“The only thing I wasn’t able to accomplish was become a champion. But when I was fighting, I was competing against the greatest of all time – Georges St-Pierre.”
“I’ve been a top contender for a long time.”
“I have a lot of knockouts under my belt, and I think I left my mark in MMA.”
“So if this is it, I’m happy with it.”
“There’s a lot more to life outside of MMA, but I’m excited I was able to do what I did and lived the life that I’ve lived so far.”
(Featured image source: Instagram/ Thiago Alves)