UFC
Eddie Alvarez on signing with the UFC: "I have the opportunity to be No. 1 in the world, and I didn't have that in the past"
Aug 22, 2014 - 12:00:01 PM Eddie Alvarez on signing with the UFC: "I have the opportunity to be No. 1 in the world, and I didn't have that in the past"

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

Eddie Alvarez has been regarded by most as one of the top lightweight fighters in the world for the last several years, but by being out of the UFC, he's never had a chance to become the No. 1 guy.

That's all changed now that he's heading to the Octagon, and he's happy to finally have a chance to prove himself as the best in the division.

"I'm not going to sit here and say I'm the most talented guy, but when it comes to fighting, when it comes to giving damage and taking damage, that's where I'm the best at," Alvarez said in an interview with USA Today. "I feel like that's what I'm here for. I'm here to give it, I'm here to take it and enjoy it all at the same time."

"I'll welcome any challenger that comes, and that's the best thing. I have the opportunity to be No. 1 in the world, and I didn't have that in the past. Regardless of who I beat, they would never put me there [in the rankings]. Now I have the guys in front of me to do it."

Penick's Analysis: We're finally getting the full consolidation of the top talent in this division. If you look several years ago, the best fighters at 155 lbs. might not have been in the UFC after all, as those who have come in from the WEC, Strikeforce, and now DREAM/Bellator in Alvarez are going to be at the top end of things. Melendez's story is really parallel to Alvarez, as he's getting his shot at the No. 1 spot a second time in December, while Alvarez will get his own opportunity if he beats Donald Cerrone next month. If he beats Cerrone, a title fight won't be far off, and it's going to be great to see him try to get there on the biggest stage.

[Eddie Alvarez photo (c) Henry Dziekan III]