Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney
But that is as far as the Bellator Fighting Championships CEO is willing to let things go.
Ever since the promotions former lightweight champion lost his title to Michael Chandler last November at Bellator 58, Alvarez has been campaigning for a title rematch against the current undefeated champion.
Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney has stuck to his guns by saying that if Alvarez wants another shot at the title, he’ll have to enter the lightweight tournament and win his way into a title fight.
Speaking as a guest on “The MMA Show with Mauro Ranallo” podcast, Rebney has softened his stance but only slightly. Saying that he would allow the two fighters to meet again, but only in a non-title bout. If he lets that happen, he knows there will be a ton of controversy from fans because the rematch isn’t for the 155-lbs title.
“I think that from a format perspective it’d be tough for us to throw caution to the wind and go, ‘You know what, I know Candler won, I know he won convincingly, I know he submitted Alvarez and won the belt, but we’ll change everything for Eddie and give him a rematch for the title.’ Would we allow them to fight in a three-round non-title superfight? Yes, but you hear me say that and I can hear a little bit of air go out of the balloon because if you see them fight again, you’d want it to be for five rounds with the gold on the line. If Ed wants that though, he needs to beat three guys in a tournament first.”
Other guests on Wednesday’s podcast include Bellator champ Michael Chandler and FRO scores Brent Gambrel.