Interviews
MMATorch Interview: New Bellator Champ Eddie Alvarez on his win over Michael Chandler and more
Nov 14, 2013 - 8:45:22 PM MMATorch Interview: New Bellator Champ Eddie Alvarez on his win over Michael Chandler and more

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By: Brad Walker, MMATorch Columnist

Eddie Alvarez returned to the Bellator cage earlier this month after a lengthy legal battle with the organization, and recaptured the Lightweight Championship from the man who took it from him in 2011, Michael Chandler. I spoke with Alvarez this week to talk about that win and more going forward.


Brad Walker: First thanks for taking some time after your title winning bout Eddie I appreciate it a ton.

Eddie Alvarez: Anytime Brad.


Walker: You came into this bout with a lot of ring rust and the underdog; how did it feel to be in that spot for the first time?

Alvarez: I didn't feel ring rust to be honest. Ring rust never really became a factor for me because I don't believe in it. I felt good being the underdog because I feel like I perform better when I'm not expected to win. I'd like to be in that position more often.


Walker: You overcame great odds to win one of the best fights in recent history; what did that feel like for you?

Alvarez: It felt great, but in my own eyes I never felt like the underdog. I felt like I made some mistakes in the first bout that I needed to correct. I knew that I'd win the bout if I corrected those mistakes. I didn't share the consensus that I was overcoming great odds if I won that fight.


Walker: Once again you are the Bellator lightweight champion - how great is it to have that belt back?

Alvarez: My whole purpose for making the sacrifices I've made recently and taking my family and my life to south Florida to join a new team has been centered around becoming a world champion again. So, when I won, it was validation for me that all of that hard work and sacrifice was for the right reason, and paid off for me.


Walker: You defeated a man who is clearly the toughest test of your career. Where do you feel you stand in the top 10 in your division?

Alvarez: In the words of 50 Cent, I feel like I am the underground king that hasn't been crowned yet (laughing)... That said, I'm willing to remain patient and wait my turn.


Walker: It was widely spoken about that Bjorn Rebney looked unhappy with the fact that you won your fight; what are your thoughts on his reaction?

Alvarez: I didn't believe that .gif of Bjorn shaking his head had anything to do with disappointment of my win, I figured it was shocking to him that we put on the fight we did, or maybe he was shaking his head when there were some boos after the decision.


Walker: Similarly Dana White took some shots at Rebney and congratulated you on your huge win; how did that resonate with you?

Alvarez: I'm just happy to know that everyone was paying attention.


Walker: You have been with Bellator since the beginning and recently had a very real shot at entering the UFC; what was it like to wind up back in the Bellator cage?

Alvarez: Well, I was excited to fight Michael again for the fact that he was ranked in the top 4 or 5 in the world, so the opportunity to fight him and win was a chance to regain my footing in the rankings and redeem myself for a loss at the same time.


Walker: Do you intend to make your way to the UFC after your next bout with (presumedly) Michael Chandler?

Alvarez: My future isn't decided at this point, but my goal is to always be involved in big fights agains the best competition possible, so we'll see what happens.


Walker: You're in a camp now with numerous elite talents who can help you elevate your game; what do you take away from training with guys like Rashad Evans and Tyrone Spong?

Alvarez: It's tough to not be affected by the momentum of guys like Rashad and Tyrone. I think we inspire each other in lots of ways but for me it fuels me to work hard and constantly elevate my game to new levels. Their wins fuel me to go out and produce myself. We all want to contribute to the Blackzilians Team and honor each other and our coaches.


Walker: You are arguably the best fighter ever to step foot in a Bellator cage - do you believe if a Mount Rushmore was made for the lightweight division we would see your face on it?

Alvarez: Thats a tough one to call… I feel like my record speaks for itself, but that would be up to whomever is chiseling that stone (laughs). If people don't think I'd deserve to be there right now, they'll certainly change their minds in the next couple years. I plan to see to that.


Walker: You've now overcome your greatest for and recaptured the gold - what is left for you to achieve in the sport of mixed martial arts?

Alvarez: I'm not #1 in the world yet, so that would be a big achievement for me. There are still guys out there standing between me and that goal.


Walker: Is there any one thing you still feel the need to accomplish to truly solidify your legacy?

Alvarez: I don't concentrate so much on legacy or stuff like that. I focus on one fight at a time and let the chips fall.


Walker: How do you feel you would fare against guys like Anthony Pettis and Benson Henderson?

Alvarez: I feel like both of those guys mentioned are great competitors. That said, I don't feel like there's a lightweight out there right now who can beat me at this stage in my career.


Walker: There has been a lot of focus on fighters using TRT and other such means to "elevate" their game - do you think this is a fair practice?

Alvarez: I'm not anti-TRT… everyone has their own problems and situations. Personally, I've been fortunate enough keep my strength and energy up throughout my career so I haven't needed or wanted anything that would help me to perform better.


Walker: Finally let me ask you - who wins this Saturday, GSP or Hendricks? And could Ben Askren defeat the winner?

Alvarez: I think Johnny's style is tailor-made for GSP to pick apart. I think Georges wins, and no, I don't think Ben Askren beats GSP.


Walker: Thanks for your time Eddie and congratulations on the win!

Alvarez: Thanks man! I'd like to thank my teammates The Blackzilians, my coaches and my management team at ASM.


[Eddie Alvarez photo (c) Henry Dziekan III]