Thiago Alves
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Early Career
Thiago "Pitbull" Alves began training in Muay Thai at age 15, adding training for MMA starting at age 17. He is also a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. On October, 8, 2001, Alves made his professional fighting debut at Champion's Night, an event held in Thiago's native Brazil. Alves won the bout against Wilson Belchoir via KO.
The "Pitbull" did not compete again for another thirteen months, returning to win a decision against Fabio Holanda, in Machadinho Gymnasium's Bitetti Combat Nordeste series. Thiago would again find success at BCN's next event, this time scoring a KO on Carlos Indio.
Then a 3-0 prospect with a bright future, Thiago moved from Brazil to train full time at American Top Team. Alves now fights out of Clearwater, Florida, representing ATT. In his first American appearance the "Pitbull" defeated another rising star, Marcus Davis, winnign a split decision.
Fighting less than two months later, Thiago experienced his first loss after succumbing to the Rear Naked Choke of journeyman Derrick Noble. Alves then rebounded winning three in a row, two by stoppage.
UFC
Thiago Alves actually lost his initial Octagon appearance, caught by Spencer Fisher's Triangle Choke. The "Pitbull" roared back with a pair of convincing TKO wins, including one over Derrick Noble, avenging Thiago's first loss.
The next test for Alves was thehighly-rated Jon Fitch. In the end Fitch won by TKO after landing a vicious up-kick and then a series of punches.
Thiago's comeback match was against current WEC fighter John Alessio, over whom he "Pitbull" won a unanimous decision. After the victory Alves went on a knockout spree with the likes of Tony DeSouza, Kuniyoshi Hironaka, Chris Lytle, Karo Parisyan, and Matt Hughes, all falling victim to the power of Thiago's knees and punches.
Most recently Alves took on Josh Koscheck, winning handily by unanimous decision. He is widely considered the number one contender to the UFC's Welterweight crown, though some might argue that BJ Penn currently holds that honor.
Mixed martial arts record
16-3
| 19 matches | 16 wins | 3 losses |
| By knockout | 10 | 1 |
| By submission | 1 | 2 |
| By decision | 5 | 0 |
| Draws | 0 | |
Gallery
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