Diego Sanchez vs Thiago Alves UFC 90 fight in the works
by MMAmania.com on Jul 22, 2008 9:23 AM EDT
65 comments
Two of the top — and most exciting — 170-pound fighters in the world will likely collide at UFC 90 at the Allstate Arena in Chicago, Ill., on October 25.
MMAWeekly.com is once again reporting that Thiago Alves (15-3) and Diego Sanchez (19-2) will throw leather, setting the stage for a blockbuster welterweight showdown that will more than likely determine the next number one title contender in the stacked division.
The talented pair were first rumored to go toe-to-toe at UFC 89: "Leben vs. Bisping" one week earlier; however, the bout was reportedly bumped once the light heavyweight showdown between Lyoto Machida and Thiago Silva was added to the European card.
Alves is fresh of ridiculous performance against Matt Hughes, taking out the former champion in the second round of their main event tilt at UFC 85: "Bedlam" just last month. Prior to that, "The Pitbull" wiped out another perennial powerhouse, Karo Parisyan, at UFC Fight Night 13.
The 24-year-old Brazilian was already on the fast track to an eventual title shot. And a win over Sanchez would certainly put him over the top.
"The Nightmare" has rebounded from back-to-back losses in 2007 to stop Luigi Fioravanti and David Bielkheden, respectively, in equally impressive fights. The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) season one winner seems to have recaptured his form that had most pundits expecting that he would one day soon challenge for a belt.
Again, a win over a very explosive fighter such as Alves will put him right there.
Talk about a great fight.
UFC 90 was recently made official; therefore, rumored bouts and possible match ups are scarce right now. Expect that to change real soon, however.
0 recs |
65 comments
Email
Print
Comments
Sweet. Hopefully it will actually happen and not get postponed again. I know Alves is pretty tough, but Im hoping Diego will pull off the win.
by the_mexicutioner on Jul 22, 2008 9:35 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
They are still saying that UFC 89 will be free on spike! I hope that doesnt change!
UFC 90 will be a week later, and Alves is going to pick Diego apart! Alves takedown defense is getting better and better. By the time October rolls around, his takedown defense will be even better. Diego couldnt take Luigi down, so he definetly wont be taking Alves down. Diego’s stand up has gotten better, but I doubt that anyone can survive against Alves in the striking department of the welterweight division!
Alves will beat diego!
by john on Jul 22, 2008 9:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dirty Sanchez makes me want to punch babies. I can’t stand him.
by howie on Jul 22, 2008 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
While Diego does not make me want to punch babies,he is not my favorite fighter either. To be honest, I am not a huge fan of Alves either, but I expect him to win this fight pretty decisively.
by naturalshadow on Jul 22, 2008 6:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Diego can’t get Alves to the ground, it will be a long night for Diego. But even if he can get him down to the ground, he needs to work fast because Thiago is good at standing back up. Diego isn’t your typical BJJ guy that looks for fast submissions. He is more of a scrambler that gets in better position to punch you in the face (like Gilbert Melendez)
What I am curious about is if BetUs will be offering odds on whether or not Thiago makes weight!
by ViolentMike on Jul 22, 2008 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
anyone know where I can find the video to re-watch the Arlovski/Rothwell fight….andre was just bad ass!
by john on Jul 22, 2008 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah just come to my place, we will smoke some buddah and rewatch the fights, at least that is what i plan on doing after i get off work…
by IhitU.uHITfloor on Jul 22, 2008 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just got Uverse and you can’t DVR PPV’s. WTF is that craP???
by ViolentMike on Jul 22, 2008 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This should be a “barnburner” of a fight. Hopefully, Alves makes weight.
by Muscle Dolphin on Jul 22, 2008 9:39 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I guarantee that he makes weight with ease!
by john on Jul 22, 2008 9:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Diego will look pretty weak compared to Alves. Should be an explosive fight not lasting past the first round.
by Arnold on Jul 22, 2008 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Of course Diego will look weak when he comes in at 170 and Alves comes in at 175 or whatever he feels like.
by PW on Jul 22, 2008 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I will bet anything that Alves NEVER has a problem making weight again!
by john on Jul 22, 2008 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He’ll make weight. And he’ll still look twice as big as Diego but i think Diego will adapt well. I think they will take it deep into the third or go to a decision. I am liking Diego in this one. I know it can go either way but I think Diego has the better mind and the bigger heart.
by billycarnage on Jul 22, 2008 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What do you bettors see the odds of this fight opening at? Since Diego is a TUF winnner, I think it will benefit us that plan on betting on Thiago.
I would put it at Thiago -175 and Diego +140.
But because of TUF, I am hoping for odds that are close to even.
by ViolentMike on Jul 22, 2008 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree! those are what the odds should be, but like u said, hopefully because Diego is the big named fighter, that it makes the odds close to even!
I also expect the odds to benefit the alves betters…Lucky me!
by john on Jul 22, 2008 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
How can anyone guarantee he makes weight it wasn’t like that was the first or last time he has done it. he’s already been banned once for using supplements to cut weight.
by shamus on Jul 23, 2008 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Alves got this one Diego is too small to deal with Alves strength and quickness. I don’t this one going pass the first round. Alves with a brutal knee and Diego knocked out.
by TKO on Jul 22, 2008 9:44 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I am always excited to see the Nightmare in action and this fight should answer a lot of question as to where he fits in the WW division.
off topic: Does anyone know how many stitches James Irvin took to close that gash on his cheek? I figure like 30..
by Z on Jul 22, 2008 9:46 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I can’t wait for this fight. I’ll be rooting for Diego in this one.
by R-Dizzle on Jul 22, 2008 9:55 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
O dear. Alves is top 3 WW in the world, imo, he is 2nd behind GSP. Why does he suck? Explain? He didnt make weight for the Hughes fight? Everyone makes mistakes, nervous for the biggest fight of his career. I agree with John, I am willing to bet on Alves never failing weight again. Also, I am not one for excuses, but I honestly believe that the reason he didnt make weight was because of his ankle.
Alves via KO in round 2. Or an Alves decision. Whatever happens, Alves wins.
by Adam on Jul 22, 2008 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Adam, I’m going to assume that you never saw Jon Fitch vs Thiago Alves. I tried finding it online, but couldn’t. If anyone has a link to this fight, please post it for this guy.
by ViolentMike on Jul 22, 2008 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I believe Alves had improved tenfold since then. His take down defence is so much better, plus he seems to have bulked up a bit more. Matt Hughes may have lost a little bit of his skills, but he is still a top 7 WW. Alves made him look like an amateur.
by Adam on Jul 22, 2008 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thiago does have good takedown defense, when he outwieghts someone by 15 lbs.
by ViolentMike on Jul 22, 2008 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
karo and hughes couldn’t hold alves down, and diego sanchez couldn’t take sloppy fioravanti down, so this will probably be a stand up war and there is noway diego beats thiago on the feet.
by shamo84 on Jul 22, 2008 11:12 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
He beat joe riggs who is like the BEST BOXER in mma and now diego has learned kickboxing so you never know.
by Dan on Jul 22, 2008 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Joe Riggs is like the best boxer, who IS the best?
by UKmmaBOY on Jul 22, 2008 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Alves by TKO whether he makes weight or not
by Ian on Jul 22, 2008 11:35 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Diego whipped Luigi (pro boxer) on the feet. He has excellent hands and knees and has made dramatic improvements in his kickboxing. Diego can outwrestle Alves if he wants to, and I don’t see either guy submitting the other. Diego will take this fight and earn a shot at GSP after he kicks Fitch’s tail.
by PW on Jul 22, 2008 12:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I have to agree with you there and also Diego has never come close to being knocked out. The guy has one of the hardest chins in the division. I have never understood the hate he gets. He always brings it and gives more than a 100% in the octogan. I have always appreciated the work and effort he puts into his matches and hope he does win this. Alves and his weight issues just shows someone who is unproffesional and that isn’t someone I want to see get a title shot.
by Ade on Jul 22, 2008 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I couldn’t agree more, and I’ve never understood the Diego hate either. Ever since TUF 1, Diego has been my favorite fighter in the UFC. I liked him for 1 simple reason, on that show, he was an absolute headhunter with no remorse. You have to look past his thousand yard stare…this guy is just a tough as nails mexican, who has yet to get rocked in a fight. Nobody has hurt this kid yet. He didn’t take Luigi down, but look at Luigi’s approach to that fight…..His sole objective was to not get taken down. By focusing on that, he abandoned any possible chance of winning that fight. He may not take Alves down immediately, but he’s as good as they get when it comes to the scramble…..The Nightmare wins this fight.
by kg on Jul 24, 2008 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i agree with 110% …
since the show i have a been a huge fan … (aside from Koscheck fight,which he was clearly injured) he always puts on a great show and goes all out for the fans … on his feet, toe to toe, on the ground, he is as dangerous as you can get in WW division.
Sanchez wins this fight no questions asked ! end of story.
by E.P. on Jul 28, 2008 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Alves should move up to Middleweight so Silva can teach him a lesson for not making weight haha
by MikeD on Jul 22, 2008 12:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
This is a good fight and I’m not quite sure who to root for, I guess I’ll take Sanchez, since that is my good freinds favorite fighter, then I’ll get to see him smashed by GSP !!
by Liddell-Marquardt-GSP-Sherk on Jul 22, 2008 12:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
diego didnt get to 19-2 beating cans and whatnot (ok maybe david beiklheiden was). he took jon fitch to a split decision and had him on the defensive for a good portion of the fight. i agree that thiago has improved since his loss to fitch, and should make it very sporty for deigo.
kos beat deigo and earned a No. 1 contender fight.
fitch beat diego and earned a No. 1 contender fight.
3rd time will be a charm, and diego will win a decision to fight in a No. 1 contender fight, probably against kos again, in which he will either decision him, or get a tko.
by sinister on Jul 22, 2008 1:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
This win should put either one of these guys at the front of the line for a title shot.
by PW on Jul 22, 2008 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i dont think that would be the case for sanchez. he lost two in a row, albeit to top 5 contenders. if he does win over alves, it would only be one top contender beat since… a long time. karo i would assume.
a win for alves would definetly put him next in line.
by sinister on Jul 22, 2008 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The winner of this fight will get a title fight against GSP! The only thing that may get in the way of that is that the UFC is trying to put together the Penn-GSP fight. GSP will win that… but it should create timing issues for a GSP-Alves/Sanchez super fight, which it would be either way.
by Lucky Junior on Sep 15, 2008 9:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
BJ’s intent for a rematch with GSP does throw an interesting wrinkle into the welterweight title picture. If GSP gets past Fitch, I think there’s no question that BJ would want to immediately move up and get next crack at the champ, meaning he’d probably bump the winner of Sanchez/Alves to the wayside. The real question is: would he be interested in, or would Dana make him, defending his title against the winner of Huerta/Florian before moving back up in weight? If he does so, I’d suppose there would still be time then to also have GSP take on the winner of Alves/Sanchez before a date with BJ Penn…possibly at UFC 100? I guess it all depends on GSP making it past Fitch first, and then how interested would the UFC be in showcasing a superfight like Penn/GSP, and if they would want to risk jeopardizing a matchup like that by having the two take on other challengers before locking up with each other…
by Jase on Jul 22, 2008 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
UFC 100 now your thinking. Imagine the possibilities
3 night event to showcase the very best matchups the UFC has to offer including a title shot every night. This would be a huge ppv draw. How about a $99 PPV for 3 night event like with fighters getting their normal pay to fight but opportunites for huge bonus money depending upon performance. How about these caliber fights.
Thursday evening
Lidell vs Wanderlei II
Anderson Silva(205)vs Lidell
Rampage vs Rashad
Rich Franklin vs Nate Marquardt
Roger Huerta vs Shean Sherk
Koscheck vs Alves
Tyson Griffin vs Urijah Faber(not currently in UFC)
Brandon Vera vs Mirko Cro Cop
Shogun Rua vs Patrick Cote
Friday evening
Anderson Silva vs GSP
Anderson Silva vs Thiago Alves (at 185 where he belongs)
Forrest vs Dan Henderson
Brock Lesnar vs Gonzaga
John Fitch vs Matt Hughes (if hes still in the mix)
Thierry Sokoudjou vs Lyoto Machida
Bisping(185) vs Paulo Filho (assuming he joins UFC)
Diego Sanchez vs Carlos Condit( assuming he joins UFC)or
Diego vs Mike Swick
Sherk vs Jens Pulver
Saturday Evening
GSP vs BJ PENN at 170 SUPERFIGHT
Matt Hughes vs Matt Serra (will probably happen sooner)
Karo Parysian vs Marcus Davis
Kenny Florian vs Nate Diaz
Thiago Silva vs Cung Le (you never know!)
Shane Carwin vs Cain Velasquez or
Shane Carwin vs Brock Lesnar or
Cain Velasquez vs Frank Mir
hell Saturday could be the grand finale and they could start with some good ol days matchups"
The AARP wheelchair matchup: Shamrock vs Gracie
The grudge match: Shamrock( with an uzi) vs Tito just like the good ol days. Shamrock
THE BIGa"Break"(This match could be the intermssion on Thursday night)Sylvia vs Mir (Its better every time I watch it. Maybe Mir can bust both arms this time}
And last bot not least the Budweiser Bar Room Brawl featuring Tank Abbot and Butterbean.
To top the entire event off the UFC could feature (and this is the long shot but is what every fan wants)
Randy Couture vs Fedor Emilienenko
Obviously this is all very much hypothetical or bordering on impossible. Fedor and Randy in the UFC being the most unlikely matchup. However some matchups could happen.
Something similar to this format would be cool save for the sideshow bullshit matches I discussed at the end. Regardless I thought it was pretty cool that UFC 100 was merely mentioned this far out by a fan. Regardless of who fights the UFC would do themselves and us fans a big service if they made this event something special, something to remember.
by rbang on Jul 26, 2008 9:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You suck at match making lol!!!
Liddel vs. Silva? Didn’t we JUST see that??!?
Huerta vs. Sherk is a horrible idea. Sherk will just lay on him for 3 rounds… that’d be a waste!
I wont even respond to the rest of the post lol.
by Lucky Junior on Sep 15, 2008 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sanchez should destroy Kos in a rematch, if he doesn’t have a staph infection this time
by Z on Jul 22, 2008 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hate how dirty sanchez grunts when he throws a punch. He’s an overrated crybaby. I hope he gets some of his favorite bones broken in to.
by peazy on Jul 22, 2008 1:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i dont think a win would put diego as the top contender. he lost two in a row, albeit to top competition. to me, wins over david b. and fioravanti dont put you in title contention. as i said, a win over alves and then over kos is what diego needs to fight for the title.
on the other hand, a win for alves would def put him next in line.
by sinister on Jul 22, 2008 1:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Alves did’nt make weight against hughes that fight barley counts. he’s not ready for a title til he can be a “professional” fighter.
by phuktard on Aug 11, 2008 6:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am taking the Nightmare in this one.. Alves is a great striker, but he wont Ko Diego. Not gonna happen. I actually think Diego will be fine on his feet and when he gets it to the ground he will expose Alves. And the longer the fight goes I see conditioning playing a big part in Diegos favour as well.
And I LOVE the fact that people are writing Diego off in this one.Diego will definately come in with something to prove. Cant wait!
by PP on Jul 22, 2008 1:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
This will be a sweeeet victory for whoever wins. i’m going with the NIGHTMARE taking Thiago down and mauling him savage style. ground n pound. Thiago is physically monstrous but doesn’t have the technical wrestling abilities to big brother manhandle sanchez like fitch did. Thiago’s face will be sandwich between the canvas and diego’s forearm the majority of the fight as his confidence depletes to ZERO! o yea, n like everybody else, i want to see kos/sanchez rematch baby! final chapter! gchyea!
by kama kaze on Jul 22, 2008 2:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Now Diego has plenty of time to practice his “baby mad at mommy” pre-bell staredown. What a joke. Looks like someone just took his big wheel and ice cream cone away from the guy.
by T-bone on Jul 22, 2008 2:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Diego should be banned from MMA. There should be rules against allowing the clinically retarded into the cage.
by Jeremyjackson on Jul 22, 2008 3:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Could you atleest explain why you hate the guy cause i dont get it
by matthew on Jul 22, 2008 10:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
great fight it is obvious with this event the week after england that the england event will be free on spike
i still think it will be cote vs silva for main event in chicago
by bryant on Jul 22, 2008 5:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I thought UFC has written Diego Sanchez off. Well, in any case Thiago will knock him out, so not a stellar return for Diego, not at all stellar… :)
by Fedor Emelianenko instructional DVD on Jul 22, 2008 5:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
IM GUTTED THIS FIGHT ISNT AT UFC 89! I want another good fight added to 89 and don’t fill the card with the same old crap! like davis and that french/british guy!
by Tony on Jul 22, 2008 7:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I LIKE DIEGO BUT I CAN JUST SEE ALVES TAKING THIS ONE. ALVES VIA TKO.
by dirtydarkin on Jul 22, 2008 8:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
the nightmare is just starting for alves, sleep tight
by sylvester on Jul 24, 2008 7:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
What happens if Diego can’t get the fight to the ground, he couldn’t get Luigi Fioravanti down.
Diego’s only chance of winning this fight is to push Alves’s cardio to the limited, I question Alves’s cardio and heart.
Diego wins in the third VIA TKO if he makes it there.
by mma roots *( on Jul 25, 2008 11:01 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Alves belongs at 185. I think Alves is just to much for Diego in the stand up. Maybe Diego has some luck if he gets it to the ground but even then I think Alves bides his time and eventually overpowers Diego. Alves by ko. Another big knee or a bunch of big knees.
by rbang on Jul 26, 2008 9:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i think diego will win in the later round due to cardio.alves certainly might win befor then by tko maybe.i cant see diego being knocked out or hurt though.
by TJG on Aug 4, 2008 4:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
diego by pure heart and drive
with aggressive body control
by Dano on Aug 28, 2008 2:14 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
