Dana White Thinks Eddie Alvarez’ No. 14 Ranking Is ‘A Little Low’
Years of speculation have surrounded former Bellator lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez and the question of if he would ever fight in the world’s top MMA promotion. Alvarez wanted to make the jump over to the UFC to prove he was one of the best lightweights in the world, and the UFC was happy to welcome in another star. However, it never quite came to fruition due to a messy contract dispute between Alvarez and former Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney.
After Bellator and Rebney went their separate ways, new president Scott Coker came in and granted Alvarez his wish of being released from the promotion and being able to take his talents elsewhere. Less than 12 hours after his release, Alvarez was signed by the UFC and scheduled to meet the surging Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone at UFC 178 on September 27, 2014, a scrap that is any fight fan’s dream.
This fight looks to be a big challenge for Alvarez, a chance to prove himself and to show where he belongs in the rankings. However, he has already broke into the rankings, despite being towards the lower end at No. 14.
When speaking to UFC.com, UFC president Dana White gave his thoughts on Alvarez’s rankings and the upcoming blockbuster brawl:
“Holy S**t. I didn’t know that. I think it seems a little low, but you know what? It’s been a bad run for Eddie Alvarez. In my opinion, he’s lost a couple of the best years of his career because of what was done to him over there. We’re weeks away from finding out where he sits. I love Cowboy Cerrone. He’s one of my favorite fighters,” White said.
Eddie Alvarez has been waiting for this opportunity for years now, and he’s finally here. I think it’s going to be a very good fight. I would make Eddie the underdog because he’s had a tough run and he’s going in against Cerrone who is on an absolute roll right now. Cerrone seems mentally, emotionally and physical all there – it’s going to be a great fight. It’s going to answer a lot of questions.”
White is undoubtedly right when he stated that this fight will answer a lot of questions. For “Cowboy” Cerrone, he will be looking to show that he can keep his dominant streak going and finally get over the hump to a coveted lightweight title shot.
For Alvarez, on the other hand, he will be looking to prove what many have believed for years, that he can hang with the very best at 155 lbs. No matter the outcome, I can’t see anything but fireworks going off in this fight. It is a true top contender fight, pitting two of the very best up against each other. Who is your pick to take this one home?
Stay tuned to LowKickMMA.com for more news as the card nears closer.
