MIAMI – Thiago Alves 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.
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.
