Thiago Alves, a seasoned fighter, participated in his final match at BKFC KnuckleMania 4 in Los Angeles against Mike Perry. Unfortunately, Perry swiftly ended the bout with a brutal left-hand knockout within just 60 seconds. Alves, reflecting on the defeat at the post-fight press conference, confirmed his retirement plans, expressing contentment despite the loss.
He disclosed that he had been contemplating retirement, especially after the recent passing of his mother on April 5, and the match served as his farewell to professional fighting. Alves acknowledged the challenges he faced throughout his career but maintained a sense of fulfillment.
Competing in the BKFC ring for the last time, Alves was unable to continue after the decisive knockdown, prompting the referee to halt the bout. Despite intending to go out fighting, he accepted the outcome with grace.
Alves concluded his professional mixed martial arts (MMA) journey with a 23-15 record, notably holding a 15-12 record in the UFC, where he contested a championship bout against Georges St-Pierre at UFC 100. Following his UFC tenure, Alves transitioned into a coaching role at American Top Team while also securing victories in the BKFC ring.
Expressing gratitude for his accomplishments, Alves emphasized his journey from humble beginnings in Brazil to becoming a world champion in bare-knuckle boxing. He recounted his arrival in the United States at 19 with minimal resources and no knowledge of English, driven solely by the ambition to excel in combat sports.
Despite the challenges, Alves asserted that he achieved his goals and provided for his family while exiting the sport in good health. He expressed profound thankfulness for his experiences and the opportunity to pursue his dreams.
As Alves departs from competitive fighting, he reflects on the satisfaction derived from his life’s work and the enduring legacy he departs with. Embracing the transition into a coaching role, he eagerly anticipates the unfolding of the next phase of his journey.
Gratitude permeates his sentiments as he acknowledges the trials and triumphs that have shaped him. With unwavering resolve, Alves steps forward, leaving a legacy characterized by resilience, unwavering determination, and notable achievements in the domain of combat sports.
