Rafael Alves
The Turn
Brazil
Not competitive in Vegas opener
Alves lost to Nurullo Aliev via majority decision (27-29, 27-29, 28-28) at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
Entering as a somewhat modest +155 underdog, Alves never had a chance. He allowed Aliev to land 3-of-4 takedown attempts, good for 10:51 worth of control time. That makes it virtually impossible to emerge victorious in a 15-minute decision. The scores would have been even more lopsided had Aliev not been docked a point in Round 1 for biting. A product of Dana White's Contender Series, Alves has now lost two straight and three of his first four with the UFC. He might get a fifth opportunity, but it's no guarantee.
Entering as a somewhat modest +155 underdog, Alves never had a chance. He allowed Aliev to land 3-of-4 takedown attempts, good for 10:51 worth of control time. That makes it virtually impossible to emerge victorious in a 15-minute decision. The scores would have been even more lopsided had Aliev not been docked a point in Round 1 for biting. A product of Dana White's Contender Series, Alves has now lost two straight and three of his first four with the UFC. He might get a fifth opportunity, but it's no guarantee.
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Taking on Nurullo Aliev
Alves agreed to face Nurullo Aliev in a lightweight bout at UFC Vegas 70 on Feb. 25, Nolan King of USA Today reports.
ANALYSIS
Alves was knocked out by a Drew Dober body punch in July, which dropped his UFC record to 1-2. Aliev is poised to make his debut in the promotion after he earned a contract through Dana White's Contender Series.
Alves was knocked out by a Drew Dober body punch in July, which dropped his UFC record to 1-2. Aliev is poised to make his debut in the promotion after he earned a contract through Dana White's Contender Series.
Finished late by Drew Dober
Alves lost to Drew Dober via KO (body punch) at 1:30 of Round 3 at UFC 277 on Saturday in Dallas.
ANALYSIS
While Alves was dangerous throughout the course of the bout, there is no doubt his effectiveness and overall output waned following the opening frame. Alves scored an early takedown and put together 2:21 worth of control time in Round 1, easily winning him the stanza. Dober roared back with a 37-21 edge in total strikes landed in Round 2. With the fight up for grabs in Round 3, Alves ate a body shot which resulted in a delayed reaction and ultimately, the immediate end of the bout. The Brazilian is more talented than his 1-2 record with the UFC would lead you to believe, but Alves will be 32 years of age this coming October and doesn't have much room for error moving forward.
While Alves was dangerous throughout the course of the bout, there is no doubt his effectiveness and overall output waned following the opening frame. Alves scored an early takedown and put together 2:21 worth of control time in Round 1, easily winning him the stanza. Dober roared back with a 37-21 edge in total strikes landed in Round 2. With the fight up for grabs in Round 3, Alves ate a body shot which resulted in a delayed reaction and ultimately, the immediate end of the bout. The Brazilian is more talented than his 1-2 record with the UFC would lead you to believe, but Alves will be 32 years of age this coming October and doesn't have much room for error moving forward.
Set to fight Drew Dober
Alves is scheduled to face Drew Dober in a lightweight bout at UFC 277 on July 30, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Alves will make his return to the Octagon after he most recently scored a first-round submission victory over Marc Diakiese in Las Vegas on Nov. 13. The 31-year-old will carry a 20-10-0 career MMA record into the matchup with Dober.
Alves will make his return to the Octagon after he most recently scored a first-round submission victory over Marc Diakiese in Las Vegas on Nov. 13. The 31-year-old will carry a 20-10-0 career MMA record into the matchup with Dober.
Withdraws from upcoming fight
Alves withdrew from his upcoming April 30 fight against Jared Gordon on Friday, John Morgan of USA Today reports.
ANALYSIS
The reason for Alves' withdrawal was not disclosed. Gordon will be able to remain on the card, as Grant Dawson has already agreed to step in as Alves' replacement.
The reason for Alves' withdrawal was not disclosed. Gordon will be able to remain on the card, as Grant Dawson has already agreed to step in as Alves' replacement.
Third UFC fight scheduled
Alves will take on Jared Gordon on April 30, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport Nederland reports.
ANALYSIS
Alves has fought just twice under the UFC banner. He dropped a unanimous decision to Damir Ismagulov in his debut last May but rebounded by submitting Marc Diakiese in under two minutes in November. His opponent, Gordon, has won three straight matches, improving his UFC record to 6-3.
Alves has fought just twice under the UFC banner. He dropped a unanimous decision to Damir Ismagulov in his debut last May but rebounded by submitting Marc Diakiese in under two minutes in November. His opponent, Gordon, has won three straight matches, improving his UFC record to 6-3.