It's been almost two years former welterweight title contender Thiago Alves stepped foot in the Octagon, but after months on the shelf dealing with injuries it appears the Brazilian is almost ready to return to action.
Alves was last seen in March 2012 when he lost a heartbreaking fight to Martin Kampmann in Australia. After controlling and winning the first two rounds, Alves got caught in a guillotine choke and was forced to submit with only 48 seconds left to go in the fight.
Following that disappointing defeat, Alves twice scheduled bouts — once in July 2012 against Siyar Bahadurzada and in August of this year against Matt Brown — but on both occasions injuries forced him to pull out and remain on injured reserve.
The latest on Alves is finally good news, however, as his agent Malki Kawa informed UFC Tonight on Wednesday that he's healthy in mind, body and spirit and targeting an early 2014 return to the Octagon.
Kawa stated that Alves is healed up and looking at the upcoming UFC 171 card in Dallas, Texas on March 15 for his next bout. The UFC 171 card currently only has one bout schedule, which is the main event pitting Jon Jones against Glover Teixeira for the UFC light heavyweight title.
If Alves gets his wish, he will return to the UFC almost exactly
two years to the day since he last fought. The welterweight
division is a different place than when he left, but Alves is still
formidable opponent for any fighter and he will be a welcome return
when he steps back into the Octagon.
