In a recent interview with Tatame, Thiago Pitbull Alves stated that he was told by Dana White, the president of the UFC that the winner of his fight with Diego Sanchez would be next in line for a shot at Georges St. Pierre’s welterweight title.

After his impressive knockout of Matt Hughes, many a MMA pundit thought that Thiago Alves could be next in line for Georges St. Pierre, especially after St. Pierre’s destruction of Jon Fitch. But since St. Pierre’s immediate attention would be on BJ Penn, Thiago Alves has to take on another test in the form of TUF 1 winner, Diego “Nightmare” Sanchez. Alves, a ATT product, feels confident that he will outstrike and dominate Sanchez with his striking game. Says Alves:

He developed his stand-up game, I’m looking forward to exchange some punches with him, to show him the difference between a Striker and somebody that just learned it now.

Alves also commented on what he thought St. Pierre’s strategy would be against him. “I think he will try to take me down. He would not want to strike with me.” Thiago also mentions that he has tremendous respect for BJ Penn and believes that a fight with St. Pierre followed by a fight with Penn would be enough for a lifetime. Only time will tell whether Thiago Alves turns out to be a champion, but he certainly is a contender … and a strong one at that.