Thiago Alves, nicknamed “Pitbull,” is a Brazilian mixed martial artist who significantly impacted the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Born on October 3, 1983, in Fortaleza, Brazil, Alves began his journey in combat sports at a young age, starting with Muay Thai at 15 before transitioning to MMA at 17.
In this article, you will learn about Thiago Alves’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Thiago Alves’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Thiago Alves d’Araujo |
| Nickname | “Pitbull” |
| Date of Birth | October 3, 1983 |
| Age | 40 |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Height | 5’10” (178 cm) |
| Weight Class | Middleweight |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Team | American Top Team |
| MMA Record | 24-15-0 (W-L-D) |
| BKFC Record | 2-1-0 (W-L-D) |
| Notable Achievements | First BKFC Middleweight Champion |
| Current Status | Active in BKFC |
Early Career
Alves’ professional MMA career kicked off in 2001, and he quickly made a name for himself in the welterweight division.
His aggressive striking style and powerful kicks became his trademark, earning him a reputation as one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC.
Professional Career
Alves joined the UFC in 2005 and competed in the promotion for over a decade.
While in the UFC, he faced some of the sport’s biggest names, including Georges St-Pierre, Matt Hughes, Josh Koscheck, and Jon Fitch.
His most notable achievement was being challenged at the UFC Welterweight Championship 2009, though he ultimately fell short against Georges St-Pierre.
He made his BKFC debut in 2020 and became the first middleweight champion in the organization’s history.
Thiago Alves’s Net Worth Details
Thiago Alves’s net worth is estimated to be $2 million as of 2025.
Contract
Thiago Alves currently competes in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC). For his recent fight at BKFC KnuckleMania 4 against Mike Perry.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Purse |
|---|---|---|
| BKFC KnuckleMania 4 (2024) | Mike Perry | $200,000 |
| UFC on Fox: Werdum vs. Browne (2014) | Seth Baczynski | $78,000 |
| UFC 138 (2011) | Papy Abedi | $66,000 |
| UFC 78 (2007) | Chris Lytle | $55,000 (including Fight of the Night bonus) |
| UFC Fight Night 11 (2007) | Kuniyoshi Hironaka | $28,000 |
| UFC 66 (2006) | Tony DeSouza | $22,000 |
| UFC 59 (2006) | Derrick Noble | $4,000 |
| UFC 56 (2005) | Ansar Chalangov | $4,000 |
Fight Stats
| Sport | Record | Wins | Losses | Draws |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MMA | 23-15-0 | 23 | 15 | 0 |
| BKFC | 2-1-0 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
FAQs
1. Who is Thiago Alves?
Thiago Alves is a Brazilian former mixed martial artist and bare-knuckle fighter. Known as “Pitbull,” he competed in the UFC’s welterweight division from 2005 to 2019 and later joined Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), where he became the first middleweight champion. He is also a striking coach at American Top Team.
2. When and where was Thiago Alves born?
Thiago Alves was born on October 3, 1983, in Fortaleza, Brazil. He grew up there before relocating to the United States at age 19 to pursue a professional MMA career with American Top Team.
3. What is Thiago Alves’ fighting style?
Thiago Alves specializes in Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He began training in Muay Thai at age 15 and later added Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to his skillset, earning a brown belt. His striking ability made him a feared competitor in MMA and BKFC.
4. What are Thiago Alves’ most notable achievements in MMA?
In the UFC, Thiago Alves holds records for the most knockdowns in welterweight history and ranks fourth for most finishes in the division. His knockout of Matt Hughes at UFC 85 earned him “Knockout of the Night.” He also fought for the UFC welterweight title against Georges St-Pierre at UFC 100.
5. Why did Thiago Alves leave MMA to join BKFC?
After a long career in MMA, Alves transitioned to BKFC in 2020, where he won the middleweight championship by defeating Julian Lane and Uly Diaz. He later vacated the title to focus on coaching at American Top Team.
6. What injuries has Thiago Alves faced during his career?
Thiago Alves underwent multiple surgeries during his career, including procedures for ACL and PCL tears, a torn pectoral muscle, and a biceps injury. Despite these setbacks, he returned to competition multiple times.
7. What is Thiago Alves’ professional MMA record?
Thiago Alves competed in 38 professional MMA bouts, with a record of 23 wins (13 by knockout, 1 by submission) and 15 losses. He also had an amateur record of 2 wins.
8. What role does Thiago Alves currently play at American Top Team?
Since retiring from active competition, Thiago Alves has been a striking coach at American Top Team, mentoring top fighters such as Dustin Poirier and helping them refine their skills.
9. Is Thiago Alves involved in any personal or community activities?
Thiago Alves has expressed interest in becoming a police officer to contribute positively to his community. He is also known as a dedicated husband and father but keeps his personal life private.
10. What is Thiago Alves’ legacy in combat sports?
Thiago Alves is celebrated as one of the best strikers in MMA history, with significant contributions to both UFC and BKFC. His resilience through injuries and transition into coaching solidify his reputation as a versatile martial artist and mentor.
