Thiago “Pit Bull” Alves confirmed his status as the next in line for a welterweight title shot with a convincing victory over a game Josh Koscheck.

It was the second straight victory over a former NCAA champion wrestler for the American Top Team standout, who scored his seventh consecutive win. Similar to his June win over two-time former champion Matt Hughes, Alves was able to stuff Koscheck’s attempted takedowns and dominate the standup with his Muay Thai game, which may be the second-best in the UFC behind Anderson Silva.

“I think I’ve earned a shot at the title,” said Alves (16-3). “I’ve worked my way up and beaten everyone the UFC has asked me to fight. Josh is a good fighter and gave me a good match tonight.”

For Koscheck, the match was the sort in which the loser gained in stature through his performance. Koscheck took the match on just two week’s notice when Alves’ original foe, Diego Sanchez, pulled out with an injury. Despite his inability to take the fight to the ground, Koscheck withstood a tremendous amount of punishment and kept fighting, scoring several moments in which he had his opponent on the run.

“He’s a strong dude,” said Koscheck (11-3). “You saw what he was able to do out there. I tried to take him down but it just wasn’t happening. I’ve got no excuses, the better fighter won tonight.”

White said Alves has earned a title shot, while acknowledging it would take some time for Alves to get the shot, given St. Pierre is fighting Penn at the end of January. Alves, for his part, said he would be open to taking another match in the interim.

Written by Dave Doyle.