Thiago Alves is looking forward to a striking battle with John Howard when the two welterweights go toe-to-toe at UFC 124.
Brazilian hopes to stand and trade with Howard at UFC 124
Thiago Alves is looking forward to a striking battle with John Howard when the two welterweights go toe-to-toe at UFC 124 on December 11.
Not many would choose to stand and trade with 'The Pitbull' given the choice, and most opponents that face him seek to drag the fight to the floor as soon as possible.
But Boston fighter Howard, similarly celebrated for his striking talents, has never before been averse to standing and trading punches with a foe.
When the pair collide fists will presumably fly and Alves, who is 17-7 in his mixed martial arts career, is relishing the prospect of a hard-hitting battle.
"I can knock anybody out. If you're hit with a right punch, right knee or right kick, you're going to go down. If I hit you hard, you're getting knocked out," he said.
He added: "For the last two or three years I've been facing guys that have wanted to take me down and now I'm facing somebody that wants to stand and throw punches with me.
Fun
"John Howard is a striker, just like me, and it's going to be fun to have someone like him in front of me looking to throw down. Let's have some fun, let's throw some punches."
Alves came up short when challenging Georges St-Pierre for the welterweight title last year, but the Brazilian says he has improved his all-round skill set since that defeat.
He said: "I'm focused, I'm healthy and I'm training harder than I've ever done before. I'm going to be the world champion and I know it's a step-by-step process, starting with Jon Howard on December 11.
"I'm not looking past Jon - I know he's dangerous - but I really can't wait to win that world title."
Alves continued: "This 'Pitbull' of December 11 will be the best ever. I've never been feeling so good and I'm more mature and professional now.
"Everything happens for a reason and God knows how much I want to be the champion. God knows how hard I work to make it."
