Thiago Alves opens up about UFC departure, switch to Bare Knuckle FC, more

Thiago Alves is about to start a new chapter in his fighting career.

The long-time UFC welterweight contender and former title challenger recently signed with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship after finishing his UFC contract and testing free agency. The Brazilian expects to make his bare-knuckle boxing debut on May 16 in Miami but has yet to be booked against an opponent. Alves (23-15 MMA) plans to compete at 165 pounds but said he is open to 175, as well.

Having fought under the UFC banner for nearly 15 years, Alves 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 became a staple of the UFC 170-pound division and gave fans many fights and knockouts to remember.

Ahead of his transition to bare-knuckle boxing, MMA Junkie caught up with “Pitbull” to discuss his decision to leave the UFC and sign with BKFC.

Below is a transcription of the conversation with Alves:

How do you feel about decision to sign with BKFC a few weeks ago?

“I feel pretty good, man. I went to see a show they had a few weeks ago. Feb. 14, Hector Lombard fought. I liked it, you know, they’re very organized. The show was a lot of high-level fights, and their organization, the venue, everybody, staff were very nice to me. So I’m excited, man. I’m excited to be a part of something new, a new sport in a way that’s growing every year in America.

“I have a lot of guys in the gym that are already thinking about doing some bare-knuckle fights a little bit later down in their career, so I think you’re going to see a shift from MMA to bare-knuckle boxing. I’m excited to be a part of this company right now. I think it’s the perfect time to be in it, to really make my mark and walk away on a high note.”

Does this mean you’re done with fighting professionally in MMA?

“Yeah, for now, definitely. I got a phenomenal contract with Bare Knuckle FC. My goal was to bring a belt, bring a bare-knuckle boxing belt to American Top Team. We don’t have one of those yet, and I think we’re the perfect camp to collect belts in every combat sport out there. So my goal right now is 100 percent to be the best I can be in bare-knuckle boxing. And then, once I’m done with that chapter, then we see. But in my head, pretty much I’m done with MMA for now.”

You said you were in talks with PFL and Bellator prior to signing with BKFC. What ultimately pushed you to go the bare-knuckle boxing route?

“It was just something different, something new. I’ve been fighting MMA my whole life. My first fight was at 17, so it’s been 19 years of competing in MMA. I just wanted something new that makes sense financially, and bare-knuckle boxing gave me this opportunity to kind of refresh my career at this moment. Jumping to a new territory is exciting and savage, it’s bare-knuckle, so I’m excited to test myself, and I think my fighting style is perfect for it. There were some good offers on the table from Bellator, PFL, but bare-knuckle boxing was the best one, and it made more sense for me and it excites me the most.”

Have you ever fought bare-knuckle?

“So my first five MMA fights back in Brazil were all bare-knuckle. It was MMA, but PRIDE FC rules, you know? You could headbutt, we could kick to the head when the guy’s down on the floor, and there was no gloves. So, yeah, pretty much. I know it’s gonna be a little bit of an adjustment, you know, and I won’t know 100 percent until I’m actually in the ring, but I think I’m going to be just fine, man. I’m not afraid of getting punched or getting hit. I’m going to just stay in the middle and swing and see who stops first.”