Despite Four Losses in Last Five Outings, Thiago Alves Says ‘I Got a Lot of Fight Left in Me’

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Thiago Alves has lost four of his last five outings in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, but his passion for MMA has not waned.

The former welterweight title challenger suffered a first-round submission loss at the hands of Tim Means in a preliminary bout at UFC on ESPN 7 this past Saturday. While Alves had some early success landing punches and kicks to the body, Means floored “Pitbull” with a straight left and swarmed with punches against the fence before securing the fight-ending submission at the 2:38 mark of Round 1.

After the loss, the 36-year-old Brazilian released a statement via Instagram in which he squashed any speculation about his fighting future. Saturday marked the last fight on Alves’ UFC deal.

“I chose this life and I put it all on the line every time I step in that octagon, so no regrets here. This is definitely not the outcome I wanted and worked so hard for. But one of the reasons I love [MMA] is [because] just like in life, you don’t always get what you want,” Alves wrote. “It’s very honest and pure! I’m thankful for the opportunity to literally fight for my dreams and the life that I want….I’m not done yet, I still got a lotta fight left in me. Let’s see where this crazy journey takes me next.”

Alves began his promotional tenure with nine victories in his first 10 appearances to set up a title shot against Georges St. Pierre at UFC 100, where he lost a unanimous decision. The American Top Team standout has experienced mixed results in the Octagon since then, compiling a 6-9 record.

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The fighting game! I chose this life and I put it all on the line every time I step in that octagon, so no regrets here. This is definitely not the outcome I wanted and worked so hard for. But one of the reasons I love mma is bc just like in life, you don’t always get what you want. It’s very honest and pure! I’m thankful for the opportunity to literally fight for my dreams and the life that I want. I like to thank my team @americantopteam all my coaches and teammates for the amazing work we do. My beautiful wife @mrsalves for putting up with me and my crazy lifestyle. And to all my true fans for the unconditional support, I thank you. I’m not done yet, I still got a lotta fight left in me. Let’s see where this crazy journey takes me next. Osss O jogo da luta! Eu escolhi essa vida e coloco tudo em risco toda vez que entro naquele octógono, então não me arrependo. Definitivamente, este não é o resultado que eu queria e trabalhei tanto. Mas uma das razões pelas quais eu amo mma é exatamente como na vida, você nem sempre consegue o que deseja. É muito honesto e puro! Sou grato pela oportunidade de literalmente lutar pelos meus sonhos e pela vida que quero. Gosto de agradecer à minha equipe @americantopteam a todos os meus treinadores e colegas de equipe pelo trabalho incrível que fazemos. Minha linda esposa @mrsalves por tolerar comigo e meu estilo de vida louco. E a todos os meus verdadeiros fãs pelo apoio incondicional, agradeço. Ainda não terminei, ainda tenho muita luta em mim. Vamos ver para onde esta jornada louca me leva a seguir. Osss

A post shared by Thiago 'Pitbull' Alves (@thiagoalvesatt) on Dec 7, 2019 at 8:48pm PST