Report: Diego v. Thiago Alves moved to 90

T-Bone · 07-23-2008, 09:17 PM

OK, here we go again. Another Diego v. Thiago nugget...

Five Ounces of Pain | Report: Diego Sanchez vs. Thiago Alves moved to UFC 90

Quote:

A planned welterweight fight between Thiago Alves and Diego Sanchez that had been rumored for UFC 89 on October 18 in Birmingham, England, is now expected to take place at UFC 90 on October 25 in Chicago, Illinois.

The news comes from a report by MMAWeekly.com.

While nothing is for certain, it is considered very likely that the winner of the Sanchez vs. Alves fight will earn themselves a shot at the UFC welterweight title.

Alves has won seven consecutive bouts in the UFC since losing to Jon Fitch at UFC Fight Night 5 in 2006. His most recent victory came against future UFC Hall of Famer Matt Hughes at UFC 85 last month. While Alves failed to make the 170 pound limit by four pounds, he still finished Hughes in impressive fashion after recording a TKO at 1:02 of round 2.

Sanchez, the middleweight winner from the first season of “The Ultimate Fighter,” has rebounded two win his last two fights after suffering the first losses of his career against Josh Koscheck at UFC 69 and then to Fitch at UFC 76. Sanchez ended his losing streak by submitting David Bielkheden at 4:43 of round 1 at UFC 82 in March.

He returned to the Octagon last month during the live season finale for the seventh season of “The Ultimate Fighter,” defeating Luigi Fioravanti via TKO at 4:07 in the third round. Several pundits stated they consider the Fioravanti fight the best display they have seen of Sanchez’s standup to date.

Brolaca · 07-23-2008, 11:52 PM

I have Alves for this one

OneBigThrow · 07-24-2008, 12:15 PM

Go, Diego. GO!

Mickey Finn · 07-28-2008, 09:59 AM

im glad this just got moved back and wasnt cancelled because it should be an exciting fight

ill be cheering for diego but i dont think he'll be able to get the takedown and thiago will win the stand up

WanderleiSilver · 07-28-2008, 10:01 AM

I was a bit worried they were going to move it further back than 90, another fight I'm looking forward to here.

I'll have Alves, TKO round 2.

FatCat · 07-28-2008, 10:09 AM

Alves showed a good sprawl vs. Hughes, but weakness in the clinch vs. Karo and Jon Fitch. I see Diego pushing the pace in this one, closing the distance, wearing Alves out with his superior ground game and getting the UD.

ToeZup · 07-28-2008, 12:01 PM

Thanks for the info T-Bone.
This is cool I can deal with 90, that's not bad. I can't wait for this fight. I'm taking Alves by UD.

Mickey Finn · 07-30-2008, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FatCatMC

Alves showed a good sprawl vs. Hughes, but weakness in the clinch vs. Karo and Jon Fitch. I see Diego pushing the pace in this one, closing the distance, wearing Alves out with his superior ground game and getting the UD.

alves didnt look so weak in the clinch against karo when he dropped him with that knee, and hes improved a lot since he fought fitch. also diego's wrestling is nowhere near where hughes' is and he had a hard time taking him down. not to mention that diego's ground game probably isnt so superior to that of the bjj black belt alves

HaVoK · 07-30-2008, 03:19 PM

This is going to be a great fight. Of course Alves will get a title shot if he wins, but what if Sanchez wins....does he get one? His last 2 opponents weren't top tier UFC talent so idk.

FatCat · 07-30-2008, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mickey Finn

alves didnt look so weak in the clinch against karo when he dropped him with that knee, and hes improved a lot since he fought fitch. also diego's wrestling is nowhere near where hughes' is and he had a hard time taking him down. not to mention that diego's ground game probably isnt so superior to that of the bjj black belt alves

He was taken down from the clinch by a smaller man which represents weakness in my book. Hughes doesn't have a clinch game, he shoots for doubles from Pluto and Thiago obviously prepared well by practicing his sprawl. I don't think Diego will have much problem closing the distance and getting Thiago to fight his fight, it's just a matter of executing at that point. And Diego's ground game is light-years ahead of Thiago's when it comes to MMA application, just watch their past fights.

CounterPuncher · 07-30-2008, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FatCatMC

He was taken down from the clinch by a smaller man which represents weakness in my book. Hughes doesn't have a clinch game, he shoots for doubles from Pluto and Thiago obviously prepared well by practicing his sprawl. I don't think Diego will have much problem closing the distance and getting Thiago to fight his fight, it's just a matter of executing at that point. And Diego's ground game is light-years ahead of Thiago's when it comes to MMA application, just watch their past fights.

I wouldn't really call that weakness in the clinch. Karo's judo is so good that he can take most people down from the clinch, regardless if they are bigger than him.

And I'm rooting for Alves in this one, because at this point I think he poses the biggest threat to GSP out of anybody in the WW division.

FatCat · 07-30-2008, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CounterPuncher

I wouldn't really call that weakness in the clinch. Karo's judo is so good that he can take most people down from the clinch, regardless if they are bigger than him.

And I'm rooting for Alves in this one, because at this point I think he poses the biggest threat to GSP out of anybody in the WW division.

This is true, Karo's judo is good. A better example would be their common opponent: Jon Fitch. Fitch demolished Alves, and it was Diego's JJ that was his saving grace in the split decision loss. A fight between GSP and either Alves or Diego would go exactly how their fights against Fitch went IMO.

T-Bone · 07-30-2008, 07:36 PM

Rooting for Alves but thinking Diego takes it.

I see Alves riding the high and possibly taking Diego just a little for granted.

FightingIrish · 07-30-2008, 09:31 PM

I like this fight, Alves will be alot bigger than Diego. Alves has the better stand and he has good TD defense, Diego will have to GnP him out to win I think. I'm hoping Alves can finish him off but I'll be happy with a decision to.

SmashingMachine · 07-30-2008, 10:18 PM

Alves all the way. Don't think Diego gets this one to the ground and on the feet...well...it's a matter of time.

T-Bone · 07-30-2008, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FightingIrish

I like this fight, Alves will be alot bigger than Diego. Alves has the better stand and he has good TD defense, Diego will have to GnP him out to win I think. I'm hoping Alves can finish him off but I'll be happy with a decision to.

Oh me too but Diego's never been finished...and at the same time Thiago's not a decision fighter. So this leads me to Diego by...RNC.

kbtat2 · 07-30-2008, 10:56 PM

Gotta go with Alves on this one.
After his mauling of Hughes I don't think Diego will be strong enough although like others have already said maybe me and Alves are underestimating Diego.
Awesome matchup nonetheless.