For a moment there Thiago Alves looked to be another victim of the dreaded GSP curse. Playing the role of the victim in three of his last four fights including the title shot, the “Pitbull” had to make a statement against UFC new comer Papy “Makambo” Abedi at UFC 138 last Saturday night. Starting off by not making weight (again) was a another step in the wrong direction by Alves. The Dolce Diet devotee had no problem making weight on his second attempt though, allowing this fight to be contested at Welterweight as planned.

When you think of Thiago Alves having to make a statement you’d immediately envision a violent TKO finish. His top-notch standup game was not a surprise with those devastating trademark knees of doom. What surprised many was the way he finished off the UFC newcomer as he quickly found a hole in Swedes game and made him pay. Using his killer instinct, Alves secured the rear naked choke after Abedi gave his back deciding he had enough of the Pitbulls buffet of elbows.

The first Round submission victory by Alves over Abedi was the very first submission victory of his now 16 fight (and counting) UFC career. In an interview with the four letter network post “Makambo” disposal, Alves expressed interest in fighting Welterweight on Fire Jake Ellenberger next. Whomever Joe Silva does decide is next for the Brazilian, a name like Thiago Alves is always just an explosive performance away from Title contention.