Thiago Alves (photo via UFC)

By FCF Staff

After going to the judges’ scorecards in four of his last five fights, Thiago Alves says that won’t be the case tonight at UFC 237.

Alves (23-13) will take on Laureano Staropoli at the Rio de Janeiro event, and it will mark the first time the welterweight has fought since February, when he earned a split decision win over Max Griffin.

While talking about tonight’s match-up, and what he expects to transpire, the 35-year-old Alves said this (quote via MMA Junkie):

“I know it’s going to be a tough fight, but it’s not going to be a war,” Alves said. “I’m going to shut him off. I’m going to shut him down, and I’m hoping to get him out of there before the end of the first round.”

The 26-year-old Staropoli (8-1) is coming off his UFC debut in November, when he scored a unanimous decision win over Hector Aldana. Staropoli has won six straight bouts heading into UFC 237.

The former challenger Alves is 2-3 in his last 5 contests.