UFC Star Thiago Alves -- I'M AN AMERICAN NOW ... Officially!

I'M AN AMERICAN NOW

... Officially!

The next time UFC badass Thiago Alves steps in the octogon, he'll bleed RED, WHITE & BLUE ... 'cause he just officially became an American citizen!!

The 31-year-old Brazilian-born fighter broke the news this week ... saying, "It's official. I am a American citizen! Very proud of this moment, God bless America!"

Congrats Thiago ... we look forward to collecting your income taxes.