Thiago Alves returns to training, targets late 2014 UFC return

Thiago Alves scored his first UFC win since 2011 with a unanimous decision over Seth Baczynski in April, but the Brazilian welterweight was once again sidelined with an injury a couple months later.

Forced out of a UFC Fight Night 49 match-up against Jordan Mein in August due to a knee injury, “Pitbull” should be good to make his return to the Octagon in late 2014.

“’Pitbull’ is fine and back to training after a knee injury,” Alves’ physical conditioning coach Everton Bittar told MMAFighting.com. “He’s coming back to technical and physical training, eyeing to be ready to fight later this year.”

Alves, a former UFC title contender, only fought twice since 2012, but Bittar is confident that the American Top Team welterweight will be back to the top when he gets back in action.

“We’re not setting a timetable for his return yet, but we will work hard to get him in shape as soon as possible,” he said. “Thiago is a disciplined athlete, works hard, and is focused on his return. As he did in April, he will be ready to take his division by storm.”

Fighting in the UFC for almost a decade, “Pitbull” (20-9) built a UFC record of 12-6 with wins over the likes of Josh Koscheck, Matt Hughes, Karo Parisyan, Chris Lytle and John Alessio.

Thiago Alves scored his first UFC win since 2011 with a unanimous decision over Seth Baczynski in April, but the Brazilian welterweight was once again sidelined with an injury a couple months later.

Forced out of a UFC Fight Night 49 match-up against Jordan Mein in August due to a knee injury, “Pitbull” should be good to make his return to the Octagon in late 2014.

“’Pitbull’ is fine and back to training after a knee injury,” Alves’ physical conditioning coach Everton Bittar told MMAFighting.com. “He’s coming back to technical and physical training, eyeing to be ready to fight later this year.”

Alves, a former UFC title contender, only fought twice since 2012, but Bittar is confident that the American Top Team welterweight will be back to the top when he gets back in action.

“We’re not setting a timetable for his return yet, but we will work hard to get him in shape as soon as possible,” he said. “Thiago is a disciplined athlete, works hard, and is focused on his return. As he did in April, he will be ready to take his division by storm.”

Fighting in the UFC for almost a decade, “Pitbull” (20-9) built a UFC record of 12-6 with wins over the likes of Josh Koscheck, Matt Hughes, Karo Parisyan, Chris Lytle and John Alessio.