DWCS 30 winner Rafael Alves fun outside cage, all business inside, ready to get UFC run going ASAP

LAS VEGAS – Rafael Alves is looking for a quick turnaround.

Fresh off his UFC contract-winning performance over Alejandro Flores on Tuesday at Dana White’s Contender Series 30, Alves (19-9) wants to jump right back on the horse. He’s targeting the UFC’s Sept. 19 card, which is headlined by teammate Colby Covington, who takes on Tyron Woodley in the main event.

“I have two training partners at MMA Masters, Colby Covington and Miguel Baeza, they are fighting on the Sept. 19 card,” Alves told reporters, including MMA Junkie, through an interpreter after his win at the UFC Apex. “I would love to be on this card. You can put anybody in front of me. I’m gonna do a show for the UFC.”

Alves, the former Titan FC lightweight champion, displayed a well rounded game, throwing heat in Round 1 and eventually finishing the fight in Round 2 with a guillotine choke.

Despite having his fair share of submission wins on his record, Alves says he’s dangerous everywhere.

“My jiu-jitsu is very good. I’m a blackbelt, but I’ve been training muay Thai ever since I was a kid,” Alves said. “I started training muay Thai when I was 12 and if you face me, you’re gonna be submitted, or I’m gonna get my knockout.”

Alves might’ve had a cringeworthy moment when he botched his acrobatic entry into the octagon and asked for a do-over, but he was all business inside the cage.

“I play around when I’m not in the cage. I’m a fun guy, but I’m here to be the champ,” Alves said. “I’m a special fighter, and I’m here to make a difference. I’m here to be a UFC champion.”