Thiago Alves returns at UFN 11 - Fight Forum - MMA - UFC - Boxing - K1

Corey · 07-10-2007, 08:16 PM

Report: Thiago Alves Returns at UFC Fight Night 11 in September
Posted by UFC Junkie on July 10, 2007 at 7:56 pm ET
American Top Team’s Thiago Alves (11-3 MMA, 4-2 UFC) reportedly will make his return from a January 2007 drug suspension at UFC Fight Night 11 in September. His opponent will be Japanese MMA veteran Kuniyoshi Hironaka (11-3 MMA, 1-1 UFC).

The credible kakuto.com made the announcement, citing an earlier blog entry from Hironaka.

UFCjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, MMA news, UFC rumors, UFC gossip, fighter interviews and event previews and recaps - UFCjunkie.com) could not immediately confirm the report.

After a stunning and impressive victory over Tony DeSouza at UFC 66, Alves was suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Commission for eight months for failing a post-fight drug test. Alves, who stopped the fight with a second-round knockout (via knee), tested positive for a diuretic, Spironolactone, which he claimed he used to cut water weight for his welterweight fight.

The failed test could not have come at a worse time for the 23-year-old Alves. He had won four of his previous five fights — all in the UFC — and had developed into an emerging 170-pound contender in what has become an exceptionally crowded division. His exciting, fast-paced style won over fans, and the Brazilian’s improvement from fight to fight was obvious.

He’ll now look to get back into title contention against Hironaka, who rebounded from a UFC 64 loss to Jon Fitch with a unanimous-decision win over Forrest Petz at UFC Fight Night 9 in April.

The 31-year-old Shooto veteran scored a 2002 split-decision win over UFC veteran Nick Diaz.

UFC Fight Night 11 takes place at The Palms Las Vegas on Sept. 20. The live Spike TV event precedes the debut episode of The Ultimate Fighter 6.

For the latest UFC Fight Night 11 fight card, check out the UFC Rumors section of UFCjunkie.com.

BlingDogg · 07-10-2007, 09:32 PM

Nice. I've always liked Thiago Alves' fights. He's always been impressive. I hope he can put his problems behind him in the past and keep doing well in the UFC. Hope he wins this fight.

Ultimate fight Night 11 is shaping up to be a very good card.

I8URV8 · 07-10-2007, 09:34 PM

This looks like it will be a very solid card:

Swick vs. Leben
Thomas vs. Fisher
Alves vs. Hironaka

jm1010 · 07-10-2007, 10:51 PM

Glad to see him back.

Is that Din Thomas vs Spencer Fisher? If so I had no clue about that fight.

BlingDogg · 07-10-2007, 10:55 PM

yeah, it's the one and only Din.

jm1010 · 07-10-2007, 11:01 PM

Well sh*t. I am really looking forward to that fight.

OneTwoPunch · 07-10-2007, 11:01 PM

I'm kind of surprised how many chances they give to guys who are caught on roids. I guess its cause he has exciting fights.

Bomber · 07-11-2007, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OneTwoPunch

I'm kind of surprised how many chances they give to guys who are caught on roids. I guess its cause he has exciting fights.

He was suspended for diuretics, not steroids. Although diuretic abuse can go hand in hand with steroid use, it also may not. He looks like a steroid user to me, but again, that's just speculation. At any rate, he'd better stay clean. I suspect a second offence would have far more dire consequences. They're going to have to get tougher with the drug problem.

Bomber · 07-11-2007, 08:16 AM

Great card! Stick a main event on there and you have a PPV. Fisher vs Thomas will be sick.

GeorgeXVX · 07-11-2007, 08:34 AM

i like me some alves

PrettyBoy · 07-11-2007, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlingDogg

Nice. I've always liked Thiago Alves' fights. He's always been impressive. I hope he can put his problems behind him in the past and keep doing well in the UFC. Hope he wins this fight.

Ultimate fight Night 11 is shaping up to be a very good card.

I agree 100%, he has made quick work of his last few opponents, I like his style and his attitude, he's hard working and just loves to scrap, i've never seen him in a boring fight.