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Former UFC welterweight Thiago Alves hopes the coronavirus pandemic will be controlled by July.
Former UFC welterweight title challenger Thiago Alves will have to wait a little more for his long-awaited Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship debut.
After signing with the company back in January, ‘Pitbull’ was expected to have his debut in May, but his plans were halted when the coronavirus pandemic surprised the entire world. While he waits for the situation to get better, Thiago hopes he might be able to fight again sooner rather than later.
In an interview with Ag Fight, Alves points out he understands that the pandemic is an issue that needs to be handled carefully, but also wishes to fight again in July, because he needs the money to support himself and his family.
“When I signed with them, my debut was supposed to be on May 16, here in Florida. Since everything is closed down now, the new outline is July.”
“You can’t just stand still, and I mean the economy, too.” Thiago continued. “We have to return carefully and minimize the risk of contamination, but the economy must go on. We must fight to make money, there’s no other way. We have to come back with intelligence, but we have to come back. I think (COVID-19 cases) will be much better in July. Then I can fight again.”
Alves (23-15) left the UFC on a two-fight losing skid, with losses to Tim Means and Laureano Staropoli. The 36-year-old spent 14 years with the promotion and gathered a 15-13 record during that time, which included wins over some of welterweight’s most notable names, like Chris Lytle, Matt Hughes and Josh Koscheck, among others.