Video: Is UFC 205's Thiago Alves really ready for his cut down to 155 pounds?

NEW YORK – Is former UFC welterweight title challenger Thiago Alves really ready for his cut down to 155 pounds, or is it going to be too big of a challenge for the UFC 205 fighter?

That’s perhaps the biggest question currently facing Alves (21-10 MMA, 13-7 UFC), who meets veteran lightweight Jim Miller (27-8 MMA, 16-7 UFC) in Saturday’s featured UFC Fight Pass prelim.

The bout, which precedes the FS1 prelims and pay-per-view main card at Madison Square Garden in New York, could open a world of new opportunities for Alves. However, the 33-year-old Brazilian has twice missed weight at welterweight, and UFC officials likely won’t be too forgiving if he has a similar gaffe in a new weight class.

Alves, who was on a 3-1 run before a TKO loss to former interim champ Carlos Condit in his most recent bout, returns from an 18-month layoff for UFC 205. And “Pitbull” is confident he’s ready for the challenge.

“I feel great, man,” Alves told MMAjunkie. “I feel like this is a rebirth for the ‘Pitbull.’ You know, those pit bulls are lean, skinny – you know how nasty they are. That’s how I feel right now. I’m excited, I’m ready, and I can’t wait.”

Alves recently split from coach and weight-cutting consultant Mike Dolce, but the Brazilian said he remains a “dear friend” and “has a lot of respect for him.” He’s also confident he’s taken the correct steps for a successful lightweight arrival.

“I took a good time to prepare my body to make sure I’m adjusted to this new body,” Alves said. “(I’ll have) lots of new weapons I’m going to be able to showcase. It’s exciting. It’s been very smooth.”

Check out the full video, which includes his thoughts on Miller, above.

And for more on UFC 205, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.