Thiago Alves vs. Rick Story

Former title contender Thiago Alves(18-7) will face fast-rising prospect Rick Story(12-3) according to MMAweekly.

8th ranked Thiago Alves is looking to rebuild his career following losses to GSP and Jon Fitch. Alves is not in line for a title shot anytime soon, so he will look to take out his frustrations on up and coming contenders such as John Howard and now Story.

Story(ranked 28th) got his wish, as he requested a fight with a top 10 opponent following his win over previously undefeated Johny Hendricks. Story has struggled against better grapplers in the past, but showed against Hendricks that he has shored up some of those previous issues. Story is known for his aggressiveness and should be a future star in the welterweight division.

This fight may mirror the recent war between Alves and Howard, except Story will not lack the size that Howard did to combat Alves’ striking aresenal. Story will look to push the pace and will not stand on the outside, which would leave him in close vicinity to Alves’ brutal leg kicks. Alves is dangerous in the clinch with knees, but Story is relentless and he can steal this fight if he pushes the pace and doesn’t let Alves get confident and find his range.