Alvarez: Conor McGregor is in control and there’s nothing we can do about it

Former Bellator lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez speaks up about Conor McGregor’s influence in the UFC.

Just like Frankie Edgar, Eddie Alvarez is fully aware about how much impact Conor McGregor’s drawing power has over the UFC.

“The Notorious” was able to leapfrog over everyone and grant himself a shot at Rafael Dos Anjos’ lightweight title, right after making quick work of Jose Aldo at UFC 194.

This has led Edgar to believe that McGregor does “call his own shots“, as far as title implications for both the featherweight and lightweight divisions go.

Alvarez apparently shares the same sentiment.

“Conor is able to make his own decisions and there’s nothing nobody on this conference call is gonna be able to do about that,” he said during last week’s pre-fight conference call for UFC Boston (transcription by MMA Fighting).

On the flip side, however, the former Bellator lightweight champion did recognize how McGregor’s influence could be beneficial for him and his fellow fighters, down the line.

“I think anything or anybody who brings more money to the sport is a good thing. It’s hard for me to say anything bad about it. Regardless of whether people think he deserves this or he deserves that, the truth is that when one fighter gets paid more, it’s good for all of us. Every single one of us.”

“It’s not up to me or any other fighter to say what he deserves or what he doesn’t,” he continued. “Our bosses make that decision. No matter how we perform out there. Happy to see money coming in.”

Alvarez faces Anthony Pettis in the co-main event of the said Sunday night card.

Former Bellator lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez speaks up about Conor McGregor’s influence in the UFC.

Just like Frankie Edgar, Eddie Alvarez is fully aware about how much impact Conor McGregor’s drawing power has over the UFC.

“The Notorious” was able to leapfrog over everyone and grant himself a shot at Rafael Dos Anjos’ lightweight title, right after making quick work of Jose Aldo at UFC 194.

This has led Edgar to believe that McGregor does “call his own shots“, as far as title implications for both the featherweight and lightweight divisions go.

Alvarez apparently shares the same sentiment.

“Conor is able to make his own decisions and there’s nothing nobody on this conference call is gonna be able to do about that,” he said during last week’s pre-fight conference call for UFC Boston (transcription by MMA Fighting).

On the flip side, however, the former Bellator lightweight champion did recognize how McGregor’s influence could be beneficial for him and his fellow fighters, down the line.

“I think anything or anybody who brings more money to the sport is a good thing. It’s hard for me to say anything bad about it. Regardless of whether people think he deserves this or he deserves that, the truth is that when one fighter gets paid more, it’s good for all of us. Every single one of us.”

“It’s not up to me or any other fighter to say what he deserves or what he doesn’t,” he continued. “Our bosses make that decision. No matter how we perform out there. Happy to see money coming in.”

Alvarez faces Anthony Pettis in the co-main event of the said Sunday night card.