- Thiago Alves is not happy with how things played out after he became a BKFC champion
- “Pitbull” is hoping to make a meaningful MMA return at 38 years old
Almost two years after parting ways with the UFC, Thiago Alves found a new lease on life with top-tier bare-knuckle promotion, BKFC, and won its inaugural middleweight title in June. However, an injury derailed the former UFC welterweight standout and he’s now ready to explore new opportunities once again. particularly back in the MMA.
Done with BKFC
In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Alves admitted that he didn’t like how BKFC handled his situation after he got hurt. He initially thought he will be slated for a title defense match against Mike Perry, but after a while, the Brazilian learned that it’s no longer happening and it prompted him to leave the promotion.
“Unfortunately, I don’t think that’s going to happen at this point,” Alves said about a potential title defense against Mike Perry. “I had surgery right after I became a champion and we were in talks within six or eight months for me to be able to compete again. Then Mike Perry came into the picture. I’m at a point of my career where I want big fights, fights that make sense, that are going to bring the most money for me and my family.”
“And [Perry] he comes in, does well, and I go out do a bunch of interviews to try and promote the fight,” he explained. “I knew that they had a venue set for July 24th, which is happening now. I thought that was going to be my fight against him. Unfortunately, that’s not the case and I’m Ok with it. I waited long enough. It’s been difficult because I’ve been very inactive and I don’t like that. I’m ready to walk away and explore what’s out there.”
Time is of the essence
Alves is well aware that time is not on his side. At 38, “Pitbull” feels that he still has something left in the tank and he wants to make a strong MMA comeback sooner rather than later.
“I don’t have a lot of time left,” he admitted. “I’m 38 years old right now. I feel phenomenal. I eat, sleep, breathe and eat inside American Top Team. It’s the best team in the world and I coach the best guys out there. So yeah, I just want to have fun at this stage of my life and close this amazing chapter on a high note.”
For the record, Alves’ last professional MMA bout happened in 2019 and he is coming off back-to-back losses. However, “Pitbull” has proven that he can still compete at a high level in his brief run with BKFC.
