Thiago Alves will get his chance at redemption when he once again takes on Jon Fitch as part of UFC 117 from Oakland, California on August 7. Alves was supposed to rematch Fitch at UFC 111 but a brain “irregularity” kept him out of the bout, but the bout has had several reincarnations, or at least attempts at reincarnation. The two were scheduled to meet as part of UFC 107, UFC 111, UFC 115 and now UFC 117 so fans have been patiently waiting for the two to lock up once again.
Alves was replaced at UFC 107 due to a knee injury, and again at UFC 111 when he failed his pre fight standard ct scan. The last time the two fought was at UFC Fight Night 5 where Fitch won with a round two TKO. Both fighters, at one time in their careers, have been number one contenders and both fighters have rattled off impressive streaks, Fitch having 8 consecutive while Alves once had 7 in a row.
Fitch will come into the fight riding a 4 fight win streak and also a 7 fight streak where he’s gone to decision, with his only loss coming at the hands of UFC Welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre. Alves is certainly known for pushing the tempo so this could be the first time in a long time for Fitch to not go the distance in a bout. UFC 117 will feature Middleweight champion Anderson Silva taking on Chael Sonnen and will also have a bout between heavyweight fighters Junior dos Santos and Roy Nelson.