NOW part of Asia’s biggest sport media property ONE Championship, former lightweight champion Eddie “The Underground King” Alvarez said he is very excited over his about-to-begin new journey even as he said he was happy with the decision he described as “well-made.”
Officially signed with ONE early this week, Mr. Alvarez, 34, a champion fighter with Bellator and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), is set to showcase his top-notch skills under the Singapore-based promotion after inking a multi-bout deal.
“Really exciting time for me and everyone in my team. It was a decision well-made and professionally done by ONE and we really appreciate that. I’m looking forward to competing with the best lightweights in the world through ONE,” shared Mr. Alvarez to global media in a conference call on Thursday morning (Manila time).
“I pride myself in giving my all and that is something I bring to the table. I’m really excited. It is going to be a fun adventure,” he added.
Mr. Alvarez (29-6, one no contest) was last seen in July this year in his rematch with Dustin Poirier in the UFC where he lost by way of technical knockout in the second round (punches and elbow).
After the defeat, which was his last fight under his recent UFC contract, Mr. Alvarez was left unsigned, opening the doors for other promotions, including ONE, to sign him up.
Philadelphia native Alvarez said the opportunity to make history in winning a world title in another major promotion was one of the factors that lured him into signing up with ONE.
“Not going to many details but I had a lot offers around the world. We got offers from just about everyone you can think of and everyone expressed interest,” said Mr. Alvarez during the hour-long media conference.
“But the idea of ONE Championship [interested me] because as far organizations it is something I have not had a world title in. I won in Bellator twice and also won in the UFC. ONE Championship is a world organization that I haven’t held a world title. And for myself and my family, as well as my fans, it means a lot to make history. To go in every major organization and succeed is something I am excited about. And I am up for it,” he added.
In Bellator, Mr. Alvarez (29-6, 1 no contest) won the lightweight title in 2009, holding it for two years.
He was once again crowned champion in 2013 when he won over Michael Chandler by split decision.
Mr. Alvarez then moved to the UFC after where he beat the likes of Gilbert Melendez and Anthony Pettis before taking the lightweight title from Rafael Dos Anjos by way of technical knockout (punches) in the opening round of their title clash in July 2016.
He was to lose the title though four months later to Conor McGregor. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo
