- Thiago Alves Gets Next Shot At Ufc 170 Title

Swizzie · 12-09-2008, 11:28 PM

- THIAGO ALVES GETS NEXT SHOT AT UFC 170 TITLE - MMA WEEKLY - Mixed Martial Arts & UFC News, Photos, Rankings & more

Reeling off seven-straight victories in the Octagon is impressive no matter who the opposition is. But to have the three most recent wins on that resume being against Top 10 fighters Karo Parisyan, former UFC welterweight champion Matt Hughes, and Josh Koscheck, that just begs for title shot consideration.

UFC president Dana White seems to think so too. He confirmed at a question and answer session in Fayetteville, N.C., on Tuesday that Thiago Alves – who maintains that resume – is next in line for a shot at the UFC welterweight championship.

Current champion Georges St. Pierre will defend his belt in a mega-fight with UFC lightweight champion B.J. Penn on Jan. 31 at UFC 94. If St. Pierre is successful, he will then have Alves on tap.

When asked if St. Pierre would face Anderson Silva if he got past Penn at UFC 94, White answered, "No. If he beats B.J. Penn, he'll fight Thiago Alves. And then, if he beats Thiago, maybe we'll start talking about (St. Pierre and Silva) meeting at a catch weight fight or GSP going right to 185 and fighting."

White later clarified that Alves will get the shot, not only if St. Pierre wins, but even if it is Penn that wins the UFC 94 mega-fight. "He's next in line for a title shot. If GSP beats B.J. Penn, then (Alves) fights GSP. If B.J. Penn wins, then he fights B.J. And then he'd have to defend that title for a while before I let him move up and try to fight Anderson."

For those salivating over the thought of St. Pierre vs. Silva, you'll have to hold on a little longer, but it looks like the wait is just about over for Thiago Alves.

The same may not be said for Kenny Florian, who has been patiently waiting for his opportunity to challenge for the UFC lightweight title that Penn currently holds.

After Florian defeated Joe Stevenson recently at UFC 91, White told ESPN during a post-event telecast. “I said the winner of this fight is the next 155-pound challenger.”

But if Penn is successful in moving up and wresting away St. Pierre's welterweight strap, it looks like Florian may have to make the tough choice on whether to keep the bench warm a little longer and in waiting for Penn or risk his position on the title contention ladder by facing another top fighter in the lightweight division.

Relentless · 12-10-2008, 08:14 AM

good news, our future WW champion

Swizzie · 12-10-2008, 08:19 AM

^^most likely, I have yet to see GSP beat a guy who is both bigger and a better striker.

Jesus_Didn't_Tap · 12-10-2008, 08:19 AM

Not sure if he'll beat GSP but it will be a good fight. So after the GSP/Alves fight GSP is moving up?

"No. If he beats B.J. Penn, he'll fight Thiago Alves. And then, if he beats Thiago, maybe we'll start talking about (St. Pierre and Silva) meeting at a catch weight fight or GSP going right to 185 and fighting."

There have been rumors of him moving up for a while. But fuck, Silva as a first fight at 185 for him? Damn...thats gotta suck

Relentless · 12-10-2008, 08:22 AM

Alves has the power to KO someone with just a glancing blow, you can't say that about many in the 170 division

Swizzie · 12-10-2008, 08:22 AM

I really don't see GSP beating Anderson. Part of the reason he's so dominant at 170, is because he is a lot stronger and in many cases bigger. He won't have a size or strength advantage against Anderson. I think Anderson can neautralize GSP on the ground, then finish him with strikes.

Relentless · 12-10-2008, 08:24 AM

I don't see him hanging with Anderson at all, in fact i really don't even want to see that fight, at all

Snuggles · 12-10-2008, 10:18 AM

I do, as well as many others. That's a terrible reason Relentless. I don't think AA will hang with Fedor. I still want to see it. I didn't think Tim would hang with Fedor, still watched that.

You didn't think Cote had a chance in hell with Silva. Did you watch that?

Relentless · 12-10-2008, 10:20 AM

i watch any fight, and i would end up watching it, but i wouldn't be excited for it, i would much rather see GSP fight someone else at 170 or Anderson move up to 205 before i watch them fight each other

Rydawg · 12-10-2008, 11:04 AM

I'm very much looking forward to this fight, Alves presents some very interesting challenges for GSP......Could be FOTY if Alves' conditioning is there.

Relentless · 12-10-2008, 11:38 AM

Alves's conditioning is tip top, he'll be able to go 5 rounds