COCONUT CREEK, Fla. – Thiago Alves is down to spice up the bareknuckle boxing world once again, under the right conditions.
Alves, a former UFC title challenger and BKFC middleweight champion, is interested in fighting Mike Perry or Eddie Alvarez in the BKFC ring if the offer is right.
“That was the fight that I was told I was going to get, but it never really happened – I don’t know why,” Alves told MMA Junkie when asked about Mike Perry. “If that’s something they want to make happen, I’m here. I know he’s out of his contract as well. I don’t know what’s going to happen with that. I know he’s got a lot of options and offers on the table.
“So we’ll see, I’d like to fight Eddie Alvarez also. He’s s good name. If Perry doesn’t want to do it, Eddie Alvarez would be a good fight as well. But again, I’m open. If it makes money, it makes sense. If not, I’m ok with it.”
Alves fought out his contract with BKFC after winning the promotion’s middleweight title back in summer of 2021. He has yet to fight since, as he’s been busy with his full time coaching role at American Top Team.
The combat sports veteran is interested in Perry or Alvarez, but is also open to fight elsewhere. Alves is not closed to returning to MMA, but at this point prefers to do bareknuckle boxing or traditional boxing.
Turning 40 in October, Alves feels game to compete, but knows that won’t last much longer. If he never fights again, he’s ok with hanging it up.
“I’ve done everything I set out to do when I left Brazil at 19 years old,” Alves said. “I’m about to be 40 now, and I’ve been competing professionally since I was 15 years old, so that’s almost 25 years of fighting right there. But again, I have the dog in me. I felt great in my last two fights. If there’s an offer that makes sense where I’m going to need to take a break from what I’m doing right now, I’ll take it. If not, I’m happy the way it is.”