American Top Team star Thiago Alves was just a few days away from finally stepping into the octagon at UFC 111 to avenge his loss to Jon Fitch when he was suddenly notified that he would be unable to fight. Thiago’s doctors found a brain abnormality and the “Pitbull” was forced to withdraw from his fight.

“When my manager called me on Wednesday he told me I was not going to fight, I got really frustrated and upset,” Alves told MMAWeekly Radio in an exclusive interview. “When I heard the next day that it could be career ending, I was just going nuts for about two days.

“I was really, really scared about not fighting again. I would say it was the longest week of my life.”

The problem however, turned out to be minor. Alves underwent a speedy procedure and was told that after two weeks he could resume full contact training. At UFC 115 Alves will be back in action and finally get his chance to avenge his 2006 loss to Fitch.

“It was perfect, it needs to happen,” Alves said about the fight with Fitch. “That fight was supposed to be done in December, and that’s the second time it couldn’t happen, but I’m really happy. I’m sure he wants to fight me, too.”

Alves is already back to weight lifting and training light cardio in preparation for his next challenge. Alves will meet Fitch on June 12 in Vancouver and have a great chance of stealing the show at UFC 115.

Source: MMAWeekly