Brasil Combate staff
Twenty-five years old contender Thiago “Pitbull” Alves (22-4) has no secrets about his strategy versus Georges St-Pierre in the UFC 100 co-main event next Saturday. After beating seven out eleven of his opponents by technical knockout, including former welterweight champion Matt Hughes, the American Top Team striker says he sees no result but the knock out over the Canadian.
“I will knock St-Pierre out, don’t doubt it. Many people have been commenting that I’m saying it for arrogance or nervousness but it isn’t that at all. I say this because it is my big deal, everything I always wanted was to be the best. My mental level now is calmness. I don’t have any pressure to say or not say something. I know what I want and I will get to knock Georges out” said Alves today.
Either Saint Pierre or Pitbull has the toughest challenge of their careers ahead. The Canadian is well-ranked among the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world and the Brazilian is known for his aggressiveness. But Thiago had to change the path of his career to become one of the best up to 177 pounds whereas the contender had other intentions in mind.
“I wanted to be a Muay Thai fighter, it was my big dream. But I believe the day I had the contact with MMA my focus turned to this sport and I started my walking through the correct way. Muay Thai competitions would never bring me what UFC gave and brought to me. It´s very good to know where I am now and what I reached into the octagon.”
The changes in the beginning of the career were crucial to Thiago develops a fearsome style in the octagon of UFC. His punches and kicks at opponent’s legs are known for its power and preciseness.
“I like to beat” said smiling “many people ask me when I will submit an adversary in UFC because I train with a bunch of Brazilian black belt fighters but my goal is another. I can even use my ground game to get a better position but I always prepare myself to throw hits. This is the reason I work so much.”
Alves has been training with Fabio Holanda, who taught Jiu Jitsu to Georges St. Pierre along two years and considers him as his secret weapon for the fight. The Brazilian contender finishes the report saying he will stand for Brazil and USA in the UFC 100.
“I want to conquer this belt for Brazil and USA. Brazil where I was born and US where I was well welcomed when I came out here to try a new life in 2003. Don’t think I say it because I feel extra weight over my shoulders. As I said, I will knock GSP out! I respect him and know he is a great champion but I’m ready and waiting the time that the octagon gate will be closed. I will put in practice what I have trained over ten months. Wait, I will take the belt.”
Source:
http://www.brasilcombate.com.br/thiago- ... e-the-belt
