BKFC12: Thiago Alves opens new gym focused on Bare Knuckle, promises peak boxing ahead of debut
Interview with Thiago Alves above
The former UFC mainstay is set for his BKFC debut against Julian Lane.
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) has become a major player in their free agency signings. Recently announcing the major signing of marque free agent Paige VanZant, BKFC has become a serious player in the ever changing world of combat sports. One signing that also sent ripples across the board was former UFC title challenger, Thiago Alves. “Pitbull” is now 36 and finally set for his official Bare Knuckle debut. We caught up with the former UFC veteran in an exclusive interview for MyMMANews.
“Violence,” Alves told MyMMANews. “I’m ready, I’m prepared, I’m not doing this just to get paid,” Alves continued. “I’m doing this because I want to be the best at my weight class, I want to be a champion at 175.”
Alves has been training at the legendary American Top Team in Coconut Creek Florida. With training partners such as Dustin Poirier or Jorge Masvidal and a team of elite coaches at his disposal daily. Alves and ATT has actually begun a spin off version of ATT, bare knuckle style.
Sense of Pride
“We are the best team in the world,” Alves told MyMMANews on American Top Team. “Every time you step on those mats expect a fight. We actually created a new division for this fight, for Bare Knuckle boxing,” Alves continued. “We put our training to the side with a few select training partners. It’s been a smooth transition and people are very excited to take on this new journey at the gym.”
Alves understands that training for a boxing bout and a mixed martial arts bout have their similarities but also major differences. Alves feels fresh, and expects fans to see the best version of Thiago Alves stand up game.
“I’m a lot fresher in this camp,” Alves stated. “I worked so hard, preparing ourselves for that type of war, that type of battle,” Alves continued. “I’m going to let my hands go.”
Late change in opponent for Thiago Alves
Thiago Alves was officially set to make his debut against Phil Baroni, but Julian Lane became the late replacement. Lane is 2-2 under the BKFC banner. A former “Ultimate Fighter” contestant, Alves speaks on Lane’s brawler style, and that his precision will be to much for Lane.
“He [Lane] has some footage we can study, Baroni only had one fight,” Alves explained. “I like this match up better, he’s hungry. I’m a sniper, a shorter guy, I have to be very precise with my punches. I don’t waste punches, I’m going to be fast, be precise and capitalize on all his mistakes.”
Thiago Alves is set to headline BKFC 12 this Friday September 11th. Catch the full exclusive interview above where Alves speaks on being a BKFC star and the signing of teammate Paige VanZant.
