Thiago Alves last scored a split decision victory over Max Griffin at UFC Fight Night 144. And just like his next opponent Laureano Staropoli, he will look to build momentum inside the Octagon. The only difference is the latter is only in his second Ultimate Fighting Championship bout. Looking at the numbers below, learn why this UFC 237 main card is going to be a barnburner.
Age and experience
At 26 years of age, Staropoli is a promising young gun with a record of 8-1. The only blemish in his professional career was dealt by a fellow Argentinian named Alejandro Ezequiel Coslovsky at an event called Punishers 4. Alves, meanwhile, turned 35 last October and parades a professional record of 23-13. Prior to his Octagon stint, “Pitbull” was 8-3 and fought the likes of future UFC stars Gleison Tibau and Marcus Davis in regional promotions.Physical attributes
Staropoli is quite lengthy with his 6’1” frame. His height advantage over Alves, who stands 5’10”, should be also evident in a face-off. But while Alves is the shorter fighter, the difference in arm reach isn’t as pronounced. Alves has an arm reach of 70” while Staropoli’s is 71.5”. The latter should have an easier time catching the former with kicks though, with his 40.5” leg reach. Alves, on the other hand, has a leg reach of 37”.Octagon appearances
Alves has been with the UFC as far back as Oct. 3, 2005 when he lost to Spencer Fisher at UFC Fight Night 2. But since that setback, he has turned things around by climbing his way up the rankings and eventually fighting for the welterweight title against Georges St. Pierre at UFC 100. He has faced some of the best the 170 pound division has to offer, and has also tried dropping to lightweight, only to miss the mark against Jim Miller at UFC 205.Right after that bout, Alves returned to welterweight and has registered a 2-2 slate. Overall, his UFC record stands at 15-10. Staropoli, meanwhile, has just begun his UFC career, but unlike Alves, he won his debut fight against Hector Aldana at UFC Fight Night 140.
Finishing rate
With a total of 36 professional fights, Alves sports an impressive 61 percent finishing rate, owing to his 13 KO or TKO victories and one by submission. Nine of those stoppages came in UFC competition, the most notable of which is his knockout of Matt Hughes at UFC 85. He started his attack with a flying knee and followed it up with a few punches to signal the end for Hughes at 1:02 of round two.Staropoli has only heard the final bell once in his professional career. He boasts an 88 percent finishing rate, with five triumphs by KO or TKO and two by submission.