Thiago Alves vs. Laureano Staropoli targeted for UFC 237

A Brazilian fan favorite, who has been on the UFC roster since 2005, will look to go 2-0 in his homeland in 2019.
MMA Fighting’s Guilherme Cruz has learned that Thiago Alves and Laureano Staropoli are set to meet at UFC 237 in Rio de Janeiro on May 11, according to multiple sources.
The 35-year-old Alves (23-13) returned to his hometown on Feb. 2 and defeated Max Griffin on a tight split decision at UFC Fortaleza. That bout snapped a two-fight losing streak and put him at 4-4 in his last