Eddie Alvarez has made history.
He wasn't the first man to attempt to become a champion in both the UFC and Bellator MMA -- but he was the first man to successfully do so. Alvarez, the former Bellator MMA lightweight champion, captured UFC lightweight gold in the main event of UFC Fight Night 90 on Thursday evening with a stunning first-round TKO of Rafael dos Anjos. UFC Fight Night 90, the first of International Fight Week 2016's three consecutive fight cards (which includes UFC 200), was a card full of finishes submissions, come-from-behind bids, back-and-forth brawls and memorable post-fight interviews. But the event was capped off by the craziest moment of them all -- Alvarez's UFC title win.
It wasn't just any UFC title win. It was special. It was years in the making.
Alvarez was always thought of as a top lightweight during his Bellator MMA days. The big question was whether or not Alvarez would ever be able to test his skills against the best of the best in the Octagon; whether or not the skills he had in the Bellator MMA cage, which earned him the belt twice, would transfer over to the UFC. After prolonged negotiations with the Bellator MMA brass, he finally received the opportunity to fight under the UFC banner. Two years and four fights inside the Octagon later, it appears the major move -- and the hard-work he has put in for his entire veteran career -- has finally paid off, as he is the new UFC lightweight champion.
What was the highlight of the fight?
The highlight of Alvarez vs. dos Anjos was the fact the new champ let everything loose when the Brazilian appeared to be dazed. Instead of following up with a handful of strikes and allowing dos Anjos to recover, he swarmed the ex-champ and threw everything he had to offer, emptying his gas tank in the process. And he admitted to that. Perhaps not the smartest move -- had dos Anjos recovered enough, he could have pulled off a come-from-behind victory with Alvarez tired -- but it certainly paid off.
Where do these two go from here?
Because 155-pounds is currently the most stacked UFC division, there should be no issue with matchmakers finding an opponent for Alvarez in his first title defense. Any of the top five would be suitable options. But the name that comes to mind first is Donald Cerrone, who defeated Alvarez in the current champ's UFC debut two years ago. Although Cerrone is now fighting at welterweight, I don't think he'd have any problem returning to lightweight to fight for the title against someone he has already beaten. If Alvarez vs. Cerrone II isn't booked, other viable options include Tony Ferguson and Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Dos Anjos is still an elite lightweight, no doubt. He trains at Kings MMA, one of the most prestigious mixed martial arts gyms out there, so, with several high level training partners and coaches on hand, will likely have no issues getting back on track. With lightweight being so deep, there are numerous options for dos Anjos' rebound fight following his devastating title defeat.
Watch now, later or never?
History was made. Close this story (but don't forget to share it with your friends!) and watch Alvarez capture gold... now.
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