With so much success early in his career, Thiago “Pitbull” Alves (23-6-0) has always been in the top five best in his division. After his loss to Georges St. Pierre for the welterweight championship and his lackluster showing against John Fitch, Alves reinvents himself through diet, The Dolce Diet to be exact, as well as a newfound love for training, Alves looks to quiet all the noise being made of young gun, Rick “The Horror” Story (12-3-0) at UFC 130: Rampage vs. Hamill. ” I have a whole new outlook on life,” explained Alves. “My energy levels are through the roof.”
With a style that mirrored Alves’ early days of the stand and bang mentality, Alves feels as though it may be a little too early in Story’s career to be facing someone like him. Not satisfied with the loss to GSP, Alves knew it was time to push his work ethic too the highest it could go. “I didn’t do the right strategy for GSP.” said Alves. “I couldn’t fight back.” Feeling at his full potential and with a new coaching staff, Alves defeated John Howard and got back in the winning column. Having won his last five fights in the UFC, Rick Story looks to make a name for himself off an upset win over Thiago. “There’s a huge difference between the top five athletes and the rest of them,” explained Alves. “He’s gonna realize that whenever I touch his face.”
With all the hard work done now, Alves sheds the final few pounds and mentally prepares for his Saturday night fight. With a lot of doubters still talking about his two high profile losses more than his last win, Alves promises to showcase a new version of himself against Story. “I’m going to go for the finish,” said Alves. “I’m gonna make him pay for calling me out. “Don’t blink or you may miss a good knockout.”
UFC 130: Rampage vs. Hamill is Saturday, May 28th live from The MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, 6pm PT, 9pm ET.
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