MMA Fighting - Fighter vs. Writer: Thiago Alves Seeking New Contract with BKFC to Book Summer Showdown Against Mike Perry, Discusses War Between Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covington

Episode Date: March 1, 2022

BKFC champion and former UFC title contender Thiago Alves joins the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer to discuss what’s next in his career as he seeks a new contract with the bare-knuckle promotion, which recently sold a major share to Triller, and his hopes that he’ll sign a contract so he can face off with Mike Perry later this year. Alves will also details his recent change in management teams and what that means for his future. He will also preview the upcoming UFC 272 main event between Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covington after he was teammates with both of them for several years. All this and much more on the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer. Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Subscribe: Spotify Read More: MMA Fighting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You're listening to the Vox Media Podcast Network. Welcome back to the Fighter versus the Writer. I'm your host, Damon Martin, and this week I am very excited to talk to a legitimate legend in combat sports, he is a former UFC title contender, he is a BKFC champion. But he's also a guy who has inside knowledge to the upcoming main event at UFC 272 as Colby Covington prepares to face Jorge Mazadol in a five-round fight, a five-round grudge match, I should say. So I am very excited to talk to this guy today on this edition of the Fighter versus the Rider.

He is one of the OGs of this sport. He is a former UFC welterweight title contender, and he is the current BKFC middleweight champion of the world. A guy I go back with many, many years, which makes me sound old, but I promise I'm not. The great Tiago Alves. Tiago, how are you, my friend? I'm doing good, man. Thanks for having me again. Absolutely, absolutely.

Tiago, it is always great to catch up with you. I know you're always one of the busiest guys in the world with your fight career. You're also coaching now. So how is everything in Florida? Everything in Florida is great. You know, being like you said, working a lot, you know, with life train, which is, you know, our newest combat sport and online training platform. Also as a coach of American Top Team and training for my next fight, you know, in BKFC, defend my belt. Absolutely.

Absolutely. Before we get to BKFC and what's going on over there, I wanted to ask you about coaching, because I talked to Mike Brown last week, funny enough, and I've talked to a lot of the other guys and girls from American Top Team. And one thing I've always loved, I know you've always called Dan Lambert the Godfather, the respect and the admiration you have for that guy. But one thing I've loved most about American Top Team recently has been the transition of guys like yourself, King Mo, obviously Mike Brown, guys who have now become coaches at that team.

And I love that transition. And from what I hear, Tiago, I don't know how much you want to talk about it, but I've heard a lot of people rave about you as a coach, A lot of fighters are saying, man, Tiago is a phenomenal coach. That's awesome, man. I mean, it's always good to hear. I'm lucky enough to be part of American top team for almost two decades. The coach that used to train under and now are my co-workers.

So every day I'm there, I'm learning, you know, like you said, Mike Brow, King, Moe, the guys are phenomenal fighters, phenomenal coach today. And it was an easy transition for me because I think I've been through pretty much everything can possibly be through when it comes to martial martial martial. works. So I'm able to relate to my fighters, you know, in a deeper level that I don't think a lot of people can because I've been there. Then I've been to the highs, the highs, the lows, the lows, not being through every possible scenario. And it comes to, you know, you're winning a fight beautifully and then you get caught on something, you know, you're losing a fight and then you win a fight,

just by and throwing a punch, knock somebody out. I have fights that, you know, got pushed away on fight week. So there's a lot of scenarios that I've been through there. I can relate with my guys, and I have no ego either. It's all about what I can do to make sure my Friday's ready, you know, for that big night in their life. So I'm excited. I'm still learning. Like I said,

I have great examples inside of the gym, like Mike Brown, you know, Coach Cattel and a few other guys in there. So every day I get in, it's a learning experience, you know, but I take very pride,

you know, to be part of one of the coaches that, you know, the best team in the world, the American top team. Absolutely. You know, you still have,

of course, a lot of fight career left, and we'll get to your own fight career in a second. but, you know, we always talk about guys and girls in the sport, you know, because fighting, you know, you can't fight forever. We all know that. And, you know, it's a scary thing, honestly, you know, it's a scary thing when you kind of transition to that next phase of life. And you do see some guys struggle with it. I mean, it's a sad part of reality.

How happy are you that you found a place in coaching that knowing, you know, whatever you do decide to call it a career down the road, that you have coaching, that you have become, you know, a staple in guys' camps. I know I've talked to Dustin Porre and some other guys just, you know, love work. working with you. Again, I'm sure you've made investments and all these kind of things as well, but, you know, businesses, all this kind of things. But how nice is it to know that when fighting is over, whenever that happens, do you do have that coaching career set up? It's amazing. I had some really good examples of, and a lot of friends of my that, you know, got to that stage in their life where they can compete or be competitive at that level anymore. They have to made a switch, you know, and they're pretty much at loss. They didn't know what to do.

So me having a lot of surgeries throughout my career, you know, it gave me plenty of time to prepare. And right now I'm in a beautiful position. I don't need to fight. I fight because I love to fight. You know, I still have the dog inside of me that needs to eat. I got to let him out to play, you know, twice a year. It's enough for me. But, you know, I've been very fortunate, again, for being, you know, a part of American top team for over two decades.

when I was coming up, I was the guy that kind of like made all the mistakes to get where we are today. Today we're very oil machine. You know, everything works very well. Everybody, all the coaches are in a beautiful synchrony, you know, whenever one coach is out of town, I already know what the guys that are here, what I got to do with the guys that stay, you know. So we're always talking, women's trying to make sure they are our best. And the transition, it's been smooth because I'm in it still. So I never really stopped to think about it, but that was a point where I was out because all the surgeons that are, right, if I can't do this anymore, what's next? So I've been preparing for this moment. I'm glad, you know, I've been prepared for this moment. I know there's a big stigma when you're still competing, you know, you don't want to think about plan B. You want to make sure this is plan A, but you've got to realize that you can't compete forever.

You know, if it's just one third of your life, you still got two thirds to be, you know, to enjoy your life and be very successful. And if you're able to apply the drive that you had, you know, towards fighting to anything else, you're going to be successful. So you just got to find what works for you. And I'm glad that, you know, fighting is still a part of my life. It's going to be part of my life for a very long time. I'm not going anywhere. I know I'm going to make many champions. Yeah, it's funny to say that.

I talked to Matt Brown, who's a good friend. And, you know, he's opened his own gym here in Ohio, and he's become coach. And he, you know, he tells me all the time, he's like, I think when it's all said and done, I'm going to be a better coach than I was a fighter. I'm going to be able to impart that knowledge. He's also talked about how being a coach has made him a better fighter, you know, because you are looking at things a little differently. So, you know, even as an active fighter right now, of course, you're still focused on your own career, but I don't know, you tell me, like, has being a coach made you a better

fighter as well? Absolutely. You know, you have to really dominate the technique to be able to explain it, to be able to break it down. So it makes you pay attention to the little details, you know, things that work, that does work, you know, if you move your body to one side, you have to. to one side that technique might not work properly anymore. So you got to have a lot of options.

So the way that I coach my guys, you know, I just give you a bunch of different options to do, you know, what you're supposed to do to get the job done. You know, some of my techniques might work for you. Some of my techniques might not, you know, but we can always come to agreement where, you know, what's going to be the most effective for your fighting style. Having, you know, many coaches are American-top team.

I always tell my guys to make sure to train with everybody, trying to learn from everybody. And once we have a fight coming up, of course, with our own focus on the game plan. You know, by my goal as a coach is I have no ego. I want to make sure that it's all about my athlete. I want to make sure my athlete's 100% ready to do what he do best, you know, that big night of his life.

Absolutely, absolutely. Tiago, let me shift gears to your own fight career because you mentioned, of course, and I mentioned at the top of the interview that you are the BKFC middleweight champion. I know a lot of people have been looking forward to your comeback. Of course, you had that phenomenal fight with Yuli Diaz last year. I mean, what?

I've raved about that fight so much. many times when an incredible war that was. And to get that win and, oh, man, so good. So what is going on? Because I know that, you know, again, you talked about, you know, your activity. And I know you've been talking about wanting to get back into BKFC. So what is going on right now? Like, what is going on with you, you and BKFC?

And when can we see you back in there again? We're talks right now. My contract was up after, you know, becoming a champion. I'm doing a new contract. So that's what we are right now. I know the good thing is Mike Perry, you know, we're looking for a big money. fight, you know, and unfortunately, we have a lot of great fighters and be a KFC, but nobody with, you know, that that's going to bring the eyeballs that we need, you know, to bring this

sport to a, to a next level. And also for me to get, you know, the payday that I'm, I think I'm old and deserved it. So that's what we have right now. We're looking to probably get back in there in June, July, looking to make that big fight against Mike Perry, you know, so we can bring all the eyeballs necessary to take this, you know, better sport to a different level. Yeah. Now, I know you mentioned, and again, I don't want to bring up a sore subject, but I know you mentioned, you know, after Mike Perry came in, got his winner, Julian Lane. You know how tough Julian Lane is. You fought him, of course, as well. But, you know, I think it was on Instagram. You said, hey, what about me? What about the champ? You know, everyone's talking about Mike Perry. Was there any ill feelings towards BKFC that they were kind of pushing him so much? Or were you just kind of like, you know, sending out the note saying, hey, Mike Perry's great, but don't forget, I'm the champ. Yeah, I just thought it was a little weird that, you know, they're referring me as a champion,

but nobody mentioned my name, all fight weak, you know, nobody mentioned my accomplishment when, you know, I brought the stock up of the company so much, you know, after I joined BKFC, after my two fights, you know, becoming a burnacobox, it kind of became cool, you know, after me signing in you, you see the bigger names and now, Paige Van ZAM, Chapman, there's even Mike Perry. So I thought it was a little weird that nobody was talking about me, especially, the possibility of me and fighting Mike Fair, which is, will be the biggest fight in BKFC history. You know, so I was a little, you know, that, that doesn't look right. But I had a good talk with Dave Feldman, you know, and everybody in an organization.

We're in the right track right now. And it's just a matter of figuring out of the time for my comeback and, you know, the numbers. But we're in a good place right now, especially with, you know, the new thriller, you know, acquisition with the company. We're looking forward to see, you know, what the future brings. Yeah, let me ask you real quick before I talk about Mike Perry with that Because, you know, Dave Feldman

You know, broke the news earlier this week That you know, it's selling a majority Share to Triller We've seen what Triller's done with shows I've seen their shows They've put on big shows They've of course, you know, Skyrocketed guys like Jake Paul

And other people in the sport And of course put on bigger shows But also there's money. I mean, we got to be honest Triller has a lot of money behind them And there's no doubt about that And I know that, you know, Dave Feldman has said,

you know, he thinks this is what's going to take The sports at the next level Those paydays and getting people like yourself into the organization. Is there an excitement there, you know, from that level of knowing that, you know, now, you know, because BKFC, to be, to be honest, I mean, they've done a great job. They absolutely have done a great job and they've been paying guys very, very well. But everyone wants to get paid more.

You know, everyone wants to get better. And it seems like this is a, this seems like it's going to be a really good deal for the fighters. I know it's brand new, but do you kind of feel the same way? I do. I do. I think it's the perfect marriage, BKFC and Thriller, you know, especially the triangle of fighting. if we're able to merge both, you know, I don't know what the plans for, you know, the organization. But it's just a perfect marriage, I think, you know, BKFC, it's super exciting.

So it was thrilled, the triangle, the boxing and the triangle fighting as well. So I'm excited to see, you know, how far we can go. I think having me and, you know, a guy like Mike Barry and a lot of high level fighters, you know, that's the way to build, you know, and bring the eyeballs that we need. need, you know, to bring the sport, you know, where I think it can be, because it's very exciting if you never be to a BKFC fight, you know, it's a fast-paced fight, you know, every fight is super competitive. They don't last long either, you know, I think they, the most of the lesson between 15 to 20 minutes. So it's a good, exciting night of fights, but at the same time,

it doesn't take too long, you know, you get in, you see good action, you see a lot of brothers, see a lot of beautiful violence, and then you get out. Yeah. What about, what about the possibility you're crossing over and doing a little boxing, Tiago. Is there any chance that might happen? Oh, yeah, absolutely. I mean, I welcome. I welcome that big time. You know, I want to fight bare a knackle, you know,

and you see the damage you can do. You see the damage that you can take. You know, everything seems so easy, you know, because, I mean, the whole body from the neck down, you're pretty much good, you know, but your face, you're going to have a lot of lacerations. You know, your hand might be banged up for a few weeks after the fight. But besides that, longevity-wise,

the training, the preparation leading up to a fight, it's definitely a hundred times easier on my body than it used to be when, you know, you have to worry about grappling, wrestling, and all that, sparring, change levels, and everything. So I feel excited, I feel rejuvenated, you know, even though I've been to sport a very long time, I feel like this is, it's where I am in my prime.

So I'm excited to see how much damage I can do, excited for this new acquisition with the trailer, and excited to see what the future holds. Absolutely. So let me ask you about Mike Perry. of course I know he got a win over Julian Lane and we you know to here's what I always say about BKFC you got to have a lot of you got to have a lot of Kehone so to speak to even step into the BKFC ring because that sport is no joke there are no you know there are no coward stepping into that BKFC ring but what did you

think of Mike Perry's performance of course he got to win and again you know how tough Julian Lane is so what did you think of his performance I think he did okay I think he thought it was going to be a lot easier You know, you can tell by the beginning of the fight and then towards the end. You know, I think Julia Lane put it on the third, the fourth, and the fifth. If it wasn't probably the knockdown in the beginning, you know, it will be a different result. You never know what the judges are looking for. But it's a different animal.

It's definitely a different animal. You've got to know exactly what you expect. And it's not a type of fight where, you know, you can take a lot of damage. And unfortunately, Mike Perry takes a lot of damage. And if that was a fight against me, I don't think it's going to be a good night for him. So I'm excited to see him in that square circle. Yeah, you mentioned, you know, going back and watching your fight with Yuli Diaz, what an incredible war that was and just the damage you put on him to get that finish.

And we know how tough Yuli is. We just saw what he did last weekend, what he's done in the past as well. How confident would you be going into a fight with Mike Perry? Because for those who don't remember, you guys were actually going to fight back in, like, 2017. I know, unfortunately, the fight didn't happen. So this is almost like five years in the making. Yeah.

I think it came full circle. I'm super confident. I trust myself. I trust my team behind me. I know when it comes down to bite down the mouthpiece, the blood is in your face. Your point is a little redder because of blood, you know, dripping down your face.

That's where I'm free. That's where I know I'm really in my habitat. So, you know, win, lose or draw, I come to fight, but I have no doubt if we fight, I'm going to put them away. It's going to be a walk-off knockout. I love it. I love it.

And you mentioned, of course, you know, you're in talks of BKFC right now. You talk to Dave Feldman right now, because I agree. I think this is the biggest fight in BKFC history, without a doubt. It's a massive, massive fight. Are you confident you'll get a deal done? Are you confident that they will come through and pay you what you're worth? Absolutely. I mean, it'll be silly for the organization not to make this fight.

You know, it will be silly for the organization to let me walk away and go somewhere else. So my contract ends in May. hopefully within two to three weeks we should have a day we should have numbers everything locked in and then it's time to let and knock it up but uh i have no doubt that's the fight that's going to happen yeah let me ask to that point you know uh tiago one thing i mentioned at the start of the interview is that you've always been a very smart businessman inside and outside the cage uh i talked about your relationship with dan lambert i know you call him the godfather but i also know recently you have changed management teams you started working with ali abdel aziz who a lot of people know

of course, works with Habib Narmagamatov, Islam Maheshav, you know, of course, Kamar Usman, down the line. And I know you've been with your old management team for quite a while, and I don't want to, you know, I don't want to try to spur a controversy here,

but what happened? Like, what led you, you know, signing with Ali? Because you've not been a guy who's had like 19 managers. You know, you've not bounced around a lot in your career. As you know, I'm a lawyer to a fault. You know, I've been with American top team for over 20 years,

almost 20 years, UFC for 14, 15 years, you know. I just felt that I needed a change. I wasn't getting the things that I need to get, you know, to promote myself to feel where I'm confident, where I'm happy with my representation. I've been working with Ali for about a month or now, and I got no complaints.

I'm super happy. So it was more of a change to make sure that, you know, I start out this new end of my career, this nest, you know, a few fights in my career in a way where I have no worries. There is no baggage. Everything is brand new professional. know how it should be. Yeah. And I know, of course, you know, Ali, I mean, his reputation around the industry, you talk to fighters who work with him and they all rave, you know, it's almost like,

you know, it's business, but it's also family, treats everybody different like that. Like, have you noticed the difference? And again, this is not me trying to get you say bad things about the old manager, but how has it been working with him? Have you noticed, have you noticed the difference? Because, again, you know, I mean, you've been around the sport. So if anyone's going to, you know, if anyone's going to seek out, you know, a change, I imagine you're a guy who's going to do your research and know what you're stepping into. Absolutely. I mean, I have no. no bad feelings with my past management.

I wish him nothing but the best. I got nothing but respect and a demuration for what he was able to accomplish. I was his first manager. I was the one, I mean, I was his first client in MMA. I was the one, you know, pretty much open the doors for everything. You know, I just felt that towards this stage in my life right now, I needed a fresh start. I needed a new beginning, you know, with no baggage. Just focus on the things that, you know, it's going to work for me and my family.

And Ali has been nothing but great to me, you know, since we start talking, I feel rejuvenated right now. I'm super excited for the future, you know. I actually want to fight a lot more than I was thinking in fight just because, you know, I have such a good representation right now. So, again, no bad feelings against my past representation. I just felt that I needed a change, but I'm super happy with my change. I'm super happy to be part of our least team right now. Yeah, absolutely. And I know, like I said, he treats everyone like family, which I know is,

It's got to be a good feeling. Because again, you know, this is a business, but you want someone that actually cares for you. I was actually talking to another one of his fighters earlier this week. And he was talking about, you know, being offered a short notice fight. And he said, Ollie was honest with him and said, listen, I just don't think it's right for you. I don't think we should do it. And, you know, I said, listen, there's some managers who would just be, hey, sign the fight and I'm going to put you in there and I'm going to take the money. You know what I mean?

Like he actually cared about the guy well enough to say, don't do this. It's not the right move right now. Yeah, I think it's important. And, you know, Ali is the biggest agency out there. You know, so he's the martial artists as well. So he knows the business very well. You know, he knows the fighters. He knows the competition you're going to be up against.

And he has a plan behind, you know, before the fight and not to the fight. I think it's important for you to be with someone that, you know, has the same vision as you, that put you as, you know, the most important thing put you as a priority. But at the same time, you know, it has plans for you, you know, after the fight, you know, has a plan for your whole career. And that's what I met right now. Again, you know, I know a bad feeling towards my press representation. I wish them nothing but the best.

But I'm glad I made the change. And I'm glad that towards this last few years in my career, I'm work with Ali. And so far it's been amazing. I got no complaints whatsoever. I'm actually very happy. Yeah, absolutely. Let me ask you, Tiago. We've mentioned several times, of course, you are one of the American Top Team originals.

When I think of American Top Team, there's a few, you know, a handful of guys and girls I think of as like ATT forever. You know, yourself, of course, Mike Brown is another guy. You look at guys like, you know, George Mazvedal. There's a, you know, a few guys who've just been there and been loyal and have been there forever. And to that point, next weekend, of course, we got a big fight coming up in the UFC. George Masvedal

taking on Colby Covington. That's two guys who used to train together. They used to be friends. I'm sure you've been in the gym and seeing, you know, George's getting ready for this fight. Listen, we've seen these teammate versus teammate things happen. And sometimes it's really unfortunate. I know, from talking to Mike and some of the other coaches, I was

down at ATT back in 2017 or 2018. And I know like when Tyrone Woodley fought Robbie Lawler, it kind of broke everyone's heart. No one really wanted to see that. You know, everyone loved Robbie. Everyone loved Tyrone. It just got, but this was different. Colby left and he's been gone for a while, but there is a little bit of relationships

there. So how are you, like, are you excited? Is there any like a little bit of misfeilings just because you did, I mean, I'm sure you train with Colby at some point. Like, how do you feel about this one? You know, as a fan, I'm super excited because, you know, I'm a huge fan of George Mosbydale. I'm a big fan of Kobe Comington as well.

I know Kobe since he moved from college, we start his career. He had his whole career with us. He started from nothing, you know, and we build him into probably his last two fights when he left us. He and Massevedo always trained together since, you know, he joined ATT. Kobe helped Masavid al and Massevidal in wrestling, you know, and Masvigel helped Kobe stand-up improve as well. They used to train. Oh, the training used to be always.

very competitive, the two of them. And, you know, it's unfortunate that, you know, at first, Massevda was a lightweight, and, you know, when Masvada was a lightweight, and then when Masvedo was down moved to the Walterweight division, you know, at one point, we knew that, you know, they're going to face each other. So it's unfortunate that, unfortunately, sometimes teammates are going to have to fight, you know, we have a policy in the gym, teammates are only allowed to fight each other if it's for a belt.

But, you know, sometimes guys got to make money and, you know, you have different management, you know, we're such a big team that we're able to accommodate, you know, different training schedules for guys that are going to fight each other. And I think we're being one of the pioneer gyms out there that does that. And when it comes to George and Kobe Covington, I'm super excited. I'm George Mazvedo all the way. I've been seeing how much, you know, hard work he's been putting in. And I think it's going to be a good night for us. Yeah. You know, we understand, like at times, you know, fighters leave gyms, fighters move on. We all see that. Now, with ATT, you know, most of the people there are pretty, you know, pretty, like, ride or die for ATT.

Like, if you've been at ATT, you pretty much stay at ATT. We rarely see anyone leave that gym. And if they do, generally, there's no, you know, bad feelings or anything. But, you know, Colby, listen, he, you know, it seemed like he was, like, going out of his way to burn bridges. You know what I mean? Like, he obviously had the attacks on the Brazilians. That kind of caused some problems. And then what happened with him and Dustin and Cole and, uh, and, uh, and George.

And at one point I know, Dan Lambert's like, enough is enough. Like, we can't have this. You can't talk trash. And then he eventually left. Now listen, you know, I understand Colby's building a persona. Colby's building a business. I understand all that. You've been around.

You know how it works. But, you know, it just seemed like some of that goes too far when you're like burning bridges with your own team. Again, I don't know how you feel about it. But I want to ask you because it is, this is a much different situation than, let's say, Tyron versus Robbie. You know what I mean? Absolutely. I mean, personally, I never had any problem with Colby.

I knew that he was building that persona. He was very open about it, you know, whenever he would say something that, whenever the Brazilian thing happened, you know, they call the Brazil trash and all that. He came to me and said, listen to me, that's just, you know, me trying to make it happen. And say, Kobe, dude, I don't agree with everything that you say.

You know, I think there's better ways, you know, to sell a fight. But if that's your strategy and it's working for you, I'm happy for you. You know, I'm the type of guy that if you don't burn bridges with me, So if you don't treat me wrong, there's no reason for me to treat you in a different way. But I don't agree with the strategy. You know, I think that's better ways, you know, for you to promote yourself, for you, promote your fight.

We'll come from a martial arts background. Marshall arts are all about respect, you know. It's all about having no ego and be out there to be your best. You don't need to bring anybody down, you know, to lift yourself up. That's the way I think. Some people don't think that, you know, I know he's a huge him and his manager. They're a huge of wrestling fans, you know, pro wrestling. So there's a lot of, you know, acting in wrestling.

And he tried to bring that to the real fighting, you know, which is in UFC. And, you know, some people hate it. Some people love it, you know. So it works for him because look at where he is right now. Yeah, it's funny. I don't want to ruin, you know, I did a story on Colby a couple of years ago after talking to Dan and some of the other coaches down there, Conan Silver and some of the other guys who work with him.

And it's funny, like I wasn't trying to ruin his persona, but people who worked with him in the gym said he's actually a great teammate. He always sticks around to help people. He's always offering to stay and help other guys. You're not a selfish guy at all. But, you know, unfortunately, you know, the stuff outside the case just kind of bled into the gym. And it just, you know, unfortunately, just downward that relationship. Because, again, it sounded like, like, for the longest time, Colby was a great teammate.

Yeah, no, he's been great. You know, like I said, he always was there to help the guys that need a self-ball, a good help of wrestler, you know, he was always there to dedicate his time because he knew that was the way that he was going to get help from the other teammates as well when it was his time to compete and when it was the time to have a different body to help them out. You know, it is unfortunate that he decided to run with this persona, you know, it was unfortunate that that created so much heat on him, you know, but at the same time, you know, it gave him, it brought him a lot of eyeballs. So, you know, you know,

You got to take that as it comes when, yeah, I don't like it, but, you know, it worked for him. So what can you do? Yeah. But obviously, I know you're an ATT guy, which means I know you were going to be very much in, very much in Maslil's corner. I talked to Yuanai on Jaycheck last week, and she said that George is looking phenomenal. I mean, again, no title on the line, but it feels like there's a title on the line. I know you're in ATT all the time. How is he looking?

How excited are you to see George go in there and do his thing? George is a warrior, man. And he's a hard worker, you know, he comes in, gets his work done. He's straight an axe the hour just to make sure he gets everything he needs to get. I'm excited, man. It's going to be a hell of a fight. I think the beginning of the fight is going to dictate, you know, the whole outcome of the fight. You know, we're very excited.

We're happy. We know how much, how important this fight is for George. And he is taking no easy road to make sure that he's ready for this fight. And we all know they don't like it. other. So I think that's going to be, you know, an extra sauce, make sure that those guys are going to fight really hard that night. Yeah, it's funny. When I was that at ATC, I got, I always bring this story up, but I had the pleasure, the honor of actually getting to watch him spar with Dustin Porriere because I know they'll never fight, you know, they're never going to fight each other,

but I was like, this is like the greatest, like, you know, it was like three rounds of sparring. I was like, this is amazing. And I saw him rolling with Shoeface, and Shoeface is huge. I mean, that's a big, big guy. And George is in there grappling with him. I was like, man, it was just fun to watch him work. And like for anyone that, you know, again, he's again, become a superstar. But for anyone to think he's not putting into work, is crazy. Because I was down there, I saw him on the mats for, you know, three hours straight. That guy is a workhorse.

Oh, yeah. And how to work is all we know. You know, that's the mentality that we have inside of the gym. We know that nothing's going to be handed to you in this life, especially in this business. And George is very grateful about everything that he was able to accomplish, financialized and fame-wise. but he knows that and don't mean anything if you don't put in work to make sure

that you are your backs, you know, fighting out. So make no mistake, George is ready. George is ready like has never been for a fight. And, you know, there's an actual meanness for this fight because they honestly do not like each other. So I'm excited, man. As a fan, you know, as a coach and as a teammate of George, I'm super excited.

You know, ATT all the way, I think it's going to be a beautiful night for us. Yeah. You know, it's funny, Tiago. bring up like, you know, how you build yourself, how you make your persona, and you've never been that guy. You've never been a guy to feel the need to, like, trash talk your opponents or, you know, talk bad about them. You just go out there and fight and you build a career around being a phenomenal fighter. We know, you know, your next fight likely is going to be Mike Perry,

you mentioned this summer. Now, Mike does get a little crazy. We got to be honest. He gets crazy and says some wild things. He brought a wiffleball bat or whatever to the press conference. It's like, is there part of you that gets excited for that? Or do you just, like, kind of roll your eyes because you've kind of avoided that for the most part in your career. You've never really had to deal with guys. And you've never been that guy. You've never been the guy to feel like you have to talk bad about an opponent to build it up. But Mike's a little crazier.

So are you excited about that? Or you're just kind of like anticipating that? How are you dealing with that? I'm excited. I mean, he's going to do what Mike Perry is going to do. I think that's part of his persona. That's part of why he is so well known, you know, because of the way that he handled himself with his personality outside of fighting.

I'm well known because, you know, the way that I fight, the way that I compete, you know, I'm not going to change for anybody. I think you can expand your energy, you know, towards training, towards, you know, being a better person, towards helping your character grow and build a lot of people. So you're never going to see me. I'm going to throw a few jabsying there. I'm going to speak the truth. I'm going to say how I see it, you know, but I'm not going to get out on my way to try

to be creative to talk trash. You know, I think the most important thing is what happened inside of that square. circuit. That's, you know, it's really your biggest advertisement. So, I'll be ready for make sure that my brand is all the way up, you know, that fight night. Yeah, absolutely. And I know you mentioned, you know, of course, I know you respect Mike Perry and what he

brings in there, but we've seen what you've transitioned into, what you become as a bare-knuckle fighter. How far does it make it? How far do you think he makes it? Does he make it out of the first? Does he make it to the second? How long do you think he lasts? I think by the fourth is going to be out of there. You know, like I said, I'm

looking for, I've been talking to my boxing coach for a very long time. Once I decided to make the transition, you know, to boxing, bare knock a box and tell you, your first fight, it's going to be you get your feet wet. You know, you might throw some kicks and hopefully you won't think that they didn't. The second fight, you know, you're going to see a huge improvement where you're letting your hands go. The third fight, it's when you're going to be completely dial in. The third fight is when we're going to have, you know, a walkaway knockout. And that's where I'm going for. That's where I'm looking for. I'm not looking to go to distance. I don't

get paid by the hour. I get paid to go out there. and put my opponent away, and that's what I'm planning to do. I'm looking for that big knockout, lend that big hand on his jaw. He's going face down and me just walking away and celebrating. I love it. Last thing I'll ask you, Tiago, you know, we talk about your legendary career, what you've done throughout mixed martial arts. Of course, a lot of people still, you know, recognize you from the UFC

and all the things you did in the UFC. But, you know, you accomplished so much in mixed martial arts. And I don't want to say mixed martial arts is, you know, behind you because, of course, you still train with your guys at ATT, like every day. but has BKFC the prospect, like what you're doing in bare knuckle and maybe doing boxing? Has it kind of given you like a new rejuvenation,

like a new passion for combat sports? Yeah, yeah. I mean, when you've been doing something for such a long time, you know, I've been in UFC for over 14 years, so I knew exactly what's going to happen, you know, the day that I leave my house, the day I get there, you know, several years, there was no surprises.

It was just routine going through the motions for me. This is a brand new sport, you know. I've been with a brand new organization. So having that excitement factor, you know, and all the thing is I get paid regardless, win or lose or draw, you know, just having your flat fee. It takes the whole worry off, you know, 50%, 50%, you know. Sometimes you put a lot of pressure. You kind of like don't let everything go because you're afraid of making mistakes.

With this part of my career right now, I'm just having fun. I'm literally focused on just going out there and scrapping and being the most violent, most vicious I can be. And that's so awesome for me because, you know, when I'm darling, when the pit bull comes out, that's a dangerous man, you know. And that's what I'm at right now. I'm having fun, you know, I'm making good money. Families doing great life outside of finance, phenomenal coaching.

So I have no complaints. I'm on this high right now, and I want to just keep riding that wave and see how much damage I can do. I think BKFC, it's a very exciting organization. and I have the opportunity, you know, to bring that organization to a different level. Just like, you know, I was able to be part of the Golden Air and MMA, you know, now I'm the beginning of BKFC. So I'm very proud to be able to bring that company to a, you know, mainstream, hopefully. Yeah, and I know, listen, I don't want to put words to your Mount Tiago,

but there's still a lot of the fight left in you. I can feel, I can see it right now. Like, I feel like you're ready to jump in their fight right now. So I know you're not going anywhere anytime soon. No, no, not at all, man. Again, you know, I feel great. I'm 38 years old, but I literally feel like I'm 28. You know, thank God my whole fighting career, I didn't take much damage.

I always had a really good defense. So that, you know, it's really important to me right now. And also being part of American top team, you know, you always train at the highest level with the best fighters in the world. So that always keep me honest, make sure that I know, you know, I'm in the right place, doing the right things to make sure I'm the most effective fight night. Absolutely, absolutely. Well, Tiago, it's always a pleasure to catch you.

with you. I really do appreciate the time. Of course, I'm always happy to see all the success you're having. I cannot wait to hear about you signing this new deal with BKFC. Get that paycheck, my friend. Get that paycheck. And I look forward to you and Mike Perry throwing down later this year.

Ah, man, thank you so much for having me again. It's been an honor, as always, and I'm looking forward to talking to you again. Hey, talk to you soon, buddy, okay? All right, but take care. Bye-bye. What I say a massive thank you again,

to Pitbull himself, Tiago Alves. Very much looking forward to his next fight in BKFC should be this summer, according to him. Of course, we're all looking forward to UFC 272 this weekend, the main event especially between Hori Mazvedal and Colby Covington.

And make sure you tune in each and every week, each and every Tuesday, to another edition of the Fighter versus the Rider. Got a lot of big guests coming up. Of course, the UFC is coming to my town, Columbus, Ohio in just a few weeks. I'm excited. Matt Brown will be back to co-host with me

before his fight. on that card against Brian Barbarina and a lot more to talk about before then. A big thank you to always for everyone tuning in to the show. Make sure you check us out on all of your favorite podcast platforms, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and of course over on MMAFighting.com. We will see you guys next week for another edition of the Fighter versus the Rider. Thanks for tuning in. We'll see you then.

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