Thiago Alves released from UFC after 27 fights with the promotion
Former UFC title contender Thiago Alves was released from the UFC following his first round submission loss to Tim Means on December 7.
“Pitbull” Alves spent more than 14 years with the promotion, competing in 27 fights since his debut at UFC Fight Night 2 in October 2005.
Although he may no longer be employed by the UFC, it appears as if Alves is not yet entering retirement mode.
“There are some negotiations going on, but nothing really excited me yet to keep fighting,” Alves told MMA Fighting. “Thank god I’m financially set, so I don’t need to fight. I want to fight if it makes sense financially. If it doesn’t, I’m cool.
“I’m open to offers, but it has to be the right offer. I’m not fighting for pennies. It has to be more than I was making in the UFC. It has to be something good.”
The 36-year old Brazilian who trains with American Top Team has a combined 23-15 professional mixed martial arts record. He recorded 15 wins and 12 losses with the UFC, including challenging Georges St. Pierre for the welterweight title at UFC 100.
“I’ve done everything for this sport,” Alves said. “The only thing I haven’t done was win the world title, but I fought the best welterweight of all times, Georges St-Pierre. A 19-year-old kid that left Fortaleza for Miami with 50 dollars in his pocket…I want people to remember me as someone who worked hard and believed in his dream. I did everything my way. I’ve done a lot of sh*t, but I’ve learned with my mistakes and kept moving forward without blaming anyone else but me. I have no complaints.
“I live a great life, I have a beautiful house, a lot of money in the pocket, my family is great, my son is great. I love my work. I’m part of American Top Team, a team I helped create and become what it is today. I’ve inspired many fighters that are competing in MMA today. So, if you’re going to remember me, remember me as someone who believed in his potential. I’m living the dream since the day I left Fortaleza. For me to come back (to fighting), it has to be something that really makes sense, otherwise I’m cool.”
