Tag: Thiago Alves

Spinning Back Clique REPLAY: Topuria & Holloway heat up, Diaz-Masvidal press tour, KnuckleMania 4, more

On “Spinning Back Clique,” our panel discusses the back-and-forth between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway, the Diaz-Masvidal press tour, and more.

Check out this week’s “Spinning Back Clique,” MMA Junkie’s weekly live show that takes a spin through the biggest topics in mixed martial arts.

This week’s panel of Brian “Goze” Garcia, Dan Tom and Danny Segura will join host “Gorgeous” George Garcia live at noon ET (9 a.m. PT) to discuss and debate the following topics:

  • Things between [autotag]Ilia Topuria[/autotag] and [autotag]Max Holloway[/autotag] are heating up. The UFC featherweight champion responded to Holloway’s callout at UFC 300, sparking a public back-and-forth between the two that’s rapidly turning into a rivalry and potentially a fight. Is this the fight to make? It’s certainly starting to draw a lot of interest.
  • “The Baddest Tour” promoting the upcoming boxing match between [autotag]Nate Diaz[/autotag] and [autotag]Jorge Masvidal[/autotag] has wrapped. The press tour stopped in Las Vegas, New York, Miami, and Los Angeles, with MMA Junkie attending to two of the stops. So was the tour a success? Is there interest around the June 1 matchup? It’s a clash involving two major MMA names going head-to-head against the UFC 302 pay-per-view. 
  • The 2024 PFL season is fully underway, as all six divisions have had their first round bouts for their respective divisions. It’s an important year for the PFL, since this is the first season they host with the addition of the Bellator roster. What to make of the first three PFL events of 2024? Has it made the impact many expected in the MMA industry?
  • This upcoming Saturday, both BKFC’s KnuckleMania 4 and UFC on ESPN 55 will go down. It’s two different sports, but both share a similar crowd. So which event is drawing the most interest? As far as the fights themselves, who will reign supreme between [autotag]Mike Perry[/autotag] and [autotag]Thiago Alves[/autotag]? How important is [autotag]Matheus Nicolau[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Alex Perez[/autotag] for the UFC’s flyweight division? Plenty to preview between both cards.

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Thiago Alves unconcerned about layoff, vows to take ‘King of Violence’ title from Mike Perry at KnuckleMania 4

Veteran fighter Thiago Alves is not worried about his three-year layoff ahead of his BKFC return against Mike Perry on April 27.

[autotag]Thiago Alves[/autotag] has been out of action for quite some time, but he’s not concerned about his inactivity ahead of his return against [autotag]Mike Perry[/autotag].

The two former UFC welterweights clash on April 27 in the main event of BKFC: KnuckleMania 4, which is set to go down at Peacock Theater in Los Angeles and air on fuboTV. Alves, who has two bareknuckle boxing fights under his belt, hasn’t competed since he won the inaugural BKFC middleweight title back in June 2021.

Now 40 years old, Alves knows his inactivity is not ideal, but he doesn’t think it will affect him come fight night.

“You can look at it two ways: I haven’t taken damage in a long time, you know. I’m fresh, and I’m excited (and) the layoff is not a good thing,” Alves said at the BKFC: KnuckleMania 4 press conference on Wednesday in L.A. “This fight was supposed to happen a long time ago for reasons that doesn’t make sense to talk about right now. He’s definitely the BKFC face right now, and he’s been active, so everything is going for him, but I like my odds.

“I believe in my training camp, in my pedigree and the layoff is not going to mean anything. I’m going to go in there on April 27 and be the ‘King of Violence.'”

Alves has been competing professionally in combat sports since 2001. He’s a former UFC title challenger and has 40 professional fights combined between MMA and bareknuckle boxing.

When asked why he decided to return to fighting, Alves’ answer came down to two things.

“The paycheck, of course, and the opportunity,” Alves said. “Mike is a phenomenal fighter. He’s an exciting dude, and I think he’s f*cking hilarious. It’s a big show, KnuckleMania 4. To be able to headline this show against Mike Perry, it’s a good opportunity, so I couldn’t say no.”

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Photos: BKFC: Knucklemania 4 pre-fight press conference

Check out these photos from the BKFC: Knucklemania 4 pre-fight press conference in Los Angeles.

Check out these photos from the BKFC: Knucklemania 4 pre-fight press conference ahead of the event featuring [autotag]Mike Perry[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Thiago Alves[/autotag] at Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (Photos by Brandon Magpantay, BKFC)

Video: Mike Perry vs. Thiago Alves first faceoff for BKFC: KnuckleMania 4 main event

Mike Perry got face-to-face with his next BKFC opponent ahead of April 27: Former UFC title challenger Thiago Alves.

The road to [autotag]Mike Perry[/autotag]’s next BKFC appearance is underway.

Perry, who is arguably the most notable character in bare knuckle boxing at the moment with a 4-0 record under the BKFC banner, will return to the ring on April 27 when he takes on former UFC title challenger [autotag]Thiago Alves[/autotag] in the main event of BKFC: KnuckleMania 4.

The first pre-fight press conference for the event, which also features Ben Rothwell vs. Todd Duffee, went down Wednesday in Los Angeles. Perry and Alves exchanged words and answered questions then proceeded to engage in their first staredown.

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Check out the video above to see the Perry vs. Alves press conference faceoff.

BKFC: KnuckleMania 4 goes down at Peacock Theater in Los Angeles and airs on fuboTV.

Thiago Alves interested in Mike Perry or Eddie Alvarez under BKFC, but at peace with never fighting again

Thiago Alves is not done with fighting just yet.

COCONUT CREEK, Fla. – [autotag]Thiago Alves[/autotag] is down to spice up the bareknuckle boxing world once again, under the right conditions.

Alves, a former UFC title challenger and BKFC middleweight champion, is interested in fighting Mike Perry or Eddie Alvarez in the BKFC ring if the offer is right.

“That was the fight that I was told I was going to get, but it never really happened – I don’t know why,” Alves told MMA Junkie when asked about Mike Perry. “If that’s something they want to make happen, I’m here. I know he’s out of his contract as well. I don’t know what’s going to happen with that. I know he’s got a lot of options and offers on the table.

“So we’ll see, I’d like to fight Eddie Alvarez also. He’s s good name. If Perry doesn’t want to do it, Eddie Alvarez would be a good fight as well. But again, I’m open. If it makes money, it makes sense. If not, I’m ok with it.”

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Alves fought out his contract with BKFC after winning the promotion’s middleweight title back in summer of 2021. He has yet to fight since, as he’s been busy with his full time coaching role at American Top Team.

The combat sports veteran is interested in Perry or Alvarez, but is also open to fight elsewhere. Alves is not closed to returning to MMA, but at this point prefers to do bareknuckle boxing or traditional boxing.

Turning 40 in October, Alves feels game to compete, but knows that won’t last much longer. If he never fights again, he’s ok with hanging it up.

“I’ve done everything I set out to do when I left Brazil at 19 years old,” Alves said. “I’m about to be 40 now, and I’ve been competing professionally since I was 15 years old, so that’s almost 25 years of fighting right there. But again, I have the dog in me. I felt great in my last two fights. If there’s an offer that makes sense where I’m going to need to take a break from what I’m doing right now, I’ll take it. If not, I’m happy the way it is.”

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Thiago Alves says he’s no longer under BKFC contract, interested in MMA return

Former UFC title challenger Thiago Alves is looking for a new home.

MIAMI – [autotag]Thiago Alves[/autotag] is looking for a new home.

The former UFC title challenger said his contract with BKFC has come to an end and he’s exploring new options for his fighting career. Alves won the inaugural BKFC middleweight title in June 2021 and hasn’t fought since. The Brazilian is frustrated with the inactivity in his career and is ready to move on.

“Unfortunately, I don’t think that’s going to happen at this point,” Alves told MMA Junkie regarding 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 he comes in, does well, and I go out do a bunch of interviews to try and promote the fight. I knew that they had a venue set for (June 24), 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.”

Alves told MMA Junkie that his BKFC contract expired on May 12th. MMA Junkie reached out to the promotion for comment on Alves’ status and there was no reply at the time of this writing.

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Alves last fought in MMA in December 2019 when he lost to fellow veteran Tim Means. It was the final fight of his UFC career. Since, Alves switched to bare-knuckle boxing where he went 2-0.

The 38-year-old is open to competing in various combat sports, but he’s keen to a return to MMA. Alves is interested in fighting for Eagle FC or potentially Triller.

“I don’t have a lot of time left,” Alves said. “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.”

Alves fought under the UFC banner for nearly 15 years. He reached the pinnacle of MMA when fought for the UFC welterweight title at UFC 100 against Georges St-Pierre, going the distance with a dominant champion before dropping a unanimous decision. Alves owns notable wins over Patrick Cote, Matt Hughes, Josh Koscheck, Karo Parisyan and others.

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BKFC 18 results: Thiago Alves claims middleweight title with comeback TKO of Ulysses Diaz

Thiago Alves claimed bareknuckle gold by defeating Ulysses Diaz on Saturday evening at BKFC 18.

Former UFC title challenger [autotag]Thiago Alves[/autotag] claimed gold in BKFC on Saturday.

In a bout between two incoming undefeated bareknuckle fighters, Alves (2-0 BKFC) pulled off an incredible comeback against Ulysses Diaz in the second of four title fights on Saturday evening.

BKFC 18 took place at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla., airing on FITE TV.

The two men traded hard strikes throughout the first round, but Diaz (2-1 BKFC) had the upper hand at the conclusion of the opening frame.

With blood flowing from both fighters in the second round, Diaz dropped Alves with a clean right hand with just over a minute remaining. Alves would get back to his feet and almost immediately began trading punches again.

In the third round, the momentum shifted quickly towards Alves who began putting together hard combinations, resulting in a total of three knockdowns over the course of the round. Diaz managed to return to his feet each time and saw the end of the round, but the doctor called the fight off between rounds after assessing the damage.

 

“I got a little bit reckless at one point, but I’m the king of this sh*t,” Alves said during his post-fight interview. “When it comes to trading punches and staying in the pocket, nobody can f*ck with me.”

Alves claimed the BKFC middleweight title after mounting an incredible comeback victory in his second bareknuckle bout.

Up-to-the-minute results of BKFC 18 include:

    • Thiago Alves def. Ulysses Diaz via TKO (doctor stoppage) – Round 3, 5:00 *for middleweight title
    • Luis Palomino def. Tyler Goodjohn via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45) *for lightweight title
    • Pearl Gonzalez def. Charisa Sigala via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)
    • Julian Lane def. Jake Bostwick via unanimous decision (50-44, 50-43, 48-45)
    • Jarod Grant def. Travis Thompson via TKO (doctor stoppage) – Round 4, 0:35
    • Eddie Hoch def. Bruce Lutchmedial via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46)
    • Steve Herelius def. Juan Torres via split decision (48-47, 47-48, 49-46)
    • Francisco Ricchi def. Brian Maxwell via TKO – Round 2, 1:25
    • Montaser Aboughaly def. Luke Parson via knockout – Round 1, 0:34
    • Famez def. Paul Teague via knockout – Round 1, 0:17
    • Yosdenis Cedeno def. Alan Arzeno via split decision (49-46, 46-49, 49-46)
    • Eduardo Conception def. Gabriel Brown via knockout – Round 1, 0:05

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BKFC 18 live and official results (9 p.m. ET)

Check out the official results of Saturday’s BKFC 18 beginning at 9 p.m. ET

Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship returns on Saturday evening with an exciting lineup of fights featuring a host of former MMA competitors.

The event begins at 9 p.m. ET on FITE TV.

The main event of the evening features BKFC heavyweight champion Joey Beltran (4-1-1 BKFC) looking to record his second title defense as he faces squares up against Sam Shewmaker (4-1-1 BKFC).

The main card is filled with names familiar to MMA fans. Hector Lombard (2-0 BKFC), Joe Riggs (2-0-1 BKFC), Luis Palomino (3-0 BKFC), Thiago Alves (1-0 BKFC), Pearl Gonzalez (0-0 BKFC), and Charisa Sigala (0-1 BKFC) will all put their fists to the test with the gloves off.

Official BKFC 18 results include:

MAIN CARD (FITE TV, 9 p.m. ET)

  • Joey Beltran vs. Sam Shewmaker
  • Hector Lombard vs. Joe Riggs
  • Luis Palomino vs. Tyler Goodjohn
  • Thiago Alves vs. Ulysses Diaz
  • Pearl Gonzalez vs. Charisa Sigala

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Hector Lombard vs. Joe Riggs set for BKFC 18 in June; Thiago Alves, Joey Beltran also on card

Bare Knuckle FC’s June event will feature a number of notables from the MMA world competing in championship fights.

Bare Knuckle FC’s June event will feature a number of notables from the MMA world competing in championship fights.

Friday, the promotion released the planned lineup for its summer event, which does not yet have an official date, but will take place in Miami.

In the main event, BKFC heavyweight champion [autotag]Joey Beltran[/autotag] looks to make his second title defense when he clashes with [autotag]Sam Shewmaker[/autotag].

The co-headliner will see former Bellator champion [autotag]Hector Lombard[/autotag] take on former UFC contender [autotag]Joe Riggs[/autotag] for the vacant middleweight title.

In the featured bout, super welterweight champion [autotag]Luis Palomino[/autotag] will seek his second title defense when he welcomes challenger [autotag]Tyler GoodJohn[/autotag].

Lastly, former UFC title challenger [autotag]Thiago Alves[/autotag] will look to claim the vacant welterweight title when he meets [autotag]Ulysses Diaz[/autotag].

Additional details about BKFC 18 are forthcoming, promotion officials told MMA Junkie, but it’s already shaping up to be one of the most loaded cards in company history.

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Bare Knuckle FC 12: Phil Baroni out, Julian Lane in for main event vs. Thiago Alves

Thiago Alves has a new main event foe for his debut in Bare Knuckle FC.

There’s been a change to the main event of next week’s Bare Knuckle FC 12.

The card at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Calif. on Sept. 11 was scheduled to feature old-school standout Phil Baroni against former UFC title challenge [autotag]Thiago Alves[/autotag].

But the promotion announced Friday that Baroni has dropped out of the fight and will be replaced by former “Ultimate Fighter” contestant [autotag]Julian Lane[/autotag]. No reason was given for Baroni’s removal from the card.

Lane is best known in MMA circles for his stint on TUF 25. But he’s competed in bare knuckle boxing the past two years, the past three in BKFC, where he’s put together a 1-2 record. His most recent fight was a decision loss to Jim Alers last October.

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Alves, meanwhile, will make his BKFC debut following a long and memorable stint in the UFC. His 14-year run in the UFC peaked with a seven-fight win streak, which culminated in a shot at then-welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre at the landmark UFC 100 in 2009. GSP won the fight via unanimous decision.

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