Thiago Alves plans to drop down to 155 pounds by December

ORLANDO, FL - APRIL 19: Thiago Alves reacts after his decision victory over Seth Baczynski in their welterweight bout during the FOX UFC Saturday event at the Amway Center on April 19, 2014 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

In 2009, Thiago "Pitbull" Alves fought for the welterweight world championship and took the best ever at 170 pounds the distance. After that decision loss to Georges St-Pierre, Alves has gone 4-4 at welterweight.

Now, UFC Tonight reports, Alves has decided to move down to 155 pounds. According to their Wednesday report, Alves is in the process of dropping weight and hopes to make his lightweight debut in December.

Alves last fought in May, and lost by TKO to Carlos Condit. Before that, the American Top Team member had won two straight bouts.

The 31-year-old hopes to rejuvenate his career by dropping down a class. At 5-foot-10, he'll be a fairly tall lightweight and no doubt feels that his striking power can make a difference against smaller men.

We'll keep you posted on developments with this story as they happen.