"I already talked to Dana (White) and Joe (Silva) and I want to be back by the beginning of April. My next fight I want it to be in UFC Rio on August 27 so if they schedule that, I’ll (fight) beginning of April and then August 27. I just want to fight whoever’s going to bring me closer to the belt again. It doesn’t matter who it is. Nothing changed as far as my goals, I want to be the welterweight champion. Whoever’s going to bring me closer, I’m ready for it. Welterweight division, watch out, I’m back."
Former UFC welterweight number one contender Thiago Alves is already mapping out his 2011 fight campaign after his lopsided unanimous decision win over John Howard earlier this month in Montreal. "The Pitbull" appears to have conquered his weight cutting demons and could become a major player again at 170-pounds starting with a fight in April if all goes according to plan. In addition, the Brazilian tells MMA Weekly Radio that his ultimate goal is to compete at UFC "Rio" in August in front of his South American brethren. But will it be against the loser of Fitch vs. Penn? Or St. Pierre vs. Shields? Or do we need to see one more dominant performance just to make sure he's "back" for good?
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