Thiago Alves feels great, hasn't lost any strength during cut to lightweight

Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) welterweight No. 1 contender, Thiago Alves, is planning a return to the Octagon later this year after suffering a technical knockout loss to Carlos Condit at UFC Fight Night 67, which took place back in May 2015 in Brazil.

But it won't be in the 170-pound division.

Instead, Alves -- despite several weight-cutting issues throughout his mixed martial arts (MMA) career -- will be dropping to lightweight. But don't expect any tomfoolery once it's time to step onto the scale, as "The Pitbull" has enlisted the services of famed weight-cutting coach Mike Dolce.

Alves talks to MMA Junkie:

"We're not going to make this drop if we're not 100 percent healthy and ready to perform. I'm not worried. I'm walking around at 175, which is only 20 pounds over the weight limit. That's what I used to walk around at 170. I feel great. I think once you reach that target weight, that 20 pounds over the weight limit, the weight cut is the same. You've got to lose 20 pounds to make that weight. I actually felt pretty good, and I don't think I've lost any strength. I'm very excited to see how I'm going to handle all these new weapons I've found."

Perhaps the change of scenery will do him some good.

Still just 32 years old, Alves (21-10) is a mere 4-4 since losing a five-round unanimous decision to Georges St. Pierre back in 2009. In addition, "The Pitbull" was plagued with injuries in the second half of his combat sports career. It will be interesting to see what kind of impact the talented striker can make in his new division.

Any ideas on a potential match up? Explore his options here.