Argentina’s Laureano Staropoli picked up the biggest win of his career at UFC 237, defeating Thiago Alves via decision.
Longtime UFC veteran and former title challenger Thiago Alves was back in action at UFC 237. This time out, ‘Pitbull’ was taking on Argentina’s Laureano Staropoli, who had made his debut back in November on home turf against Hector Aldana. While a successful debut, however, Alves was a definite step up in competition.
Round one was a very good round for Laureano Staropoli. Alves didn’t throw much of anything in the opening five minutes of the bout. As Staropoli was throwing a lot of spinning kicks and landed a couple of nice combinations in the opening round. However, not much of it landed clean and it seemed like Alves took round one off if anything, and didn’t land much outside of a few of his patented leg kicks.
Round two was a much better round for Alves. Alves moved forward more and landed a good variety of leg kicks as well as some nice combinations on the way in. Staropoli didn’t get completely washed in round two, however, it was a very good round for Alves, and got himself back into the bout after a tough first round.
Round three began with Staropoli throwing some heat to start the round, so Alves shot for a big takedown. Staropoli would get back to his feet and work on his timing, landing some nice combinations and walking through the brutal leg kicks that he was taking from Alves. However, near the end of the fight, Alves appeared to hurt Strapoli and started blitzing after him. Starpoli would survive to see the final horn, however, and the judges determined he had done enough to get the victory.
Laureano Strapoli def. Thiago Alves by Unanimous Decision (30-27 x2, 29-28)
