Eddie Alvarez hasn’t traveled the easiest of roads since joining the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) ranks in 2014.
After losing to Donald Cerrone in his Octagon debut, Alvarez earned back-to-back split-decision victories over ex-champions Gilbert Melendez and Anthony Pettis, most recently besting “Showtime” at UFC Fight Night 81 last Sunday night (Jan. 17, 2016) in Boston, Massachusetts.
And trial by fire is the only way Alvarez would have it, as he stated during the post-fight presser (video replay here) that all he’s ever wanted to do was fight the best. After taking out two of the top lightweights on the planet in consecutive bouts, a title shot could be looming
At least that’s what Eddie would “love” to happen (via MMA Junkie):
“When I signed with Lorenzo (Fertitta) and Dana (White), I simply told them I would like the best guys you guys have in the division. I didn’t want top-15 (guys). I wasn’t looking to try to show the fans something I wasn’t. I wanted the best guys. They’ve been giving me the best guys. To be honest, I don’t know what I deserve and stuff. It’s up to the boss man here. Whoever they give me, that’s who we’re going after. But hopefully it’s for the title. I’d love, love, love a shot at the title.”
Of course, Conor McGregor will get next dibs at the 155-pound strap, as he’s been booked to face division kingpin Rafael dos Anjos in the main event of UFC 197 on March 5, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
After that, the field may be wide open now that Pettis has suffered consecutive defeats. Which means if all goes well for Alvarez, he could be squaring up against the winner of “Notorious” vs. “RDA” in the foreseeable future.
Unless you you think this guy is more deserving.