Eddie Alvarez boasts a distinguished career in combat sports.
A former UFC Lightweight Champion and a two-time Bellator Lightweight Champion, Philadelphia native Eddie Alvarez stands as one of only two fighters, alongside Cris Cyborg, to capture titles in both prominent promotions.
His reputation as one of Bellator`s all-time greats was solidified well before he claimed the UFC title by defeating Rafael Dos Anjos in 2016.
Known as `The Underground King`, his Bellator record was an impressive 9-1, with his single defeat in the promotion being to his notable rival Michael Chandler, a loss he would later avenge.
Exactly 16 years ago, a 25-year-old Alvarez secured his inaugural world championship.
Eddie Alvarez Dropped and Submitted Submission Ace Toby Imada for His First Bellator Title in a Four-Man Tournament
The year 2009 saw Bellator MMA host its first-ever lightweight tournament, featuring four competitors: Jorge Masvidal, Eddie Alvarez, Toby Imada, and Eric Reynolds.
Alvarez advanced to the final by submitting Reynolds, while Toby Imada delivered one of MMA`s most spectacular submissions, rendering future BMF Champion Masvidal unconscious with an inverted triangle choke.
Imada was a formidable grappler with 20 professional submission victories.
Though anticipated as a classic striker-versus-grappler clash, Alvarez demonstrated his all-around skills, outperforming Imada in every area during their fight at Bellator 12.
In the second round of the championship bout, Alvarez dropped Imada with a precise overhand right.
Following up from full mount, Alvarez transitioned skillfully to Imada`s back during a scramble and secured a rear-naked choke, targeting the neck of the renowned submission specialist.
Just moments later, Imada had no choice but to tap, and Eddie Alvarez was crowned the first Bellator Lightweight Champion.
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) Also Planning a Lightweight Tournament
Now 41 years old, Alvarez competes under the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) banner, having faced notable opponents like Mike Perry, Chad Mendes, and Jeremy Stephens.
BKFC President David Feldman recently announced the promotion`s intention to hold its own four-man lightweight tournament to determine a new champion, following the stripping of the title from Franco Tenaglia.
This Saturday`s main event at BKFC Texas will see headliners Tony Soto and Ben Bonner compete not only for an interim lightweight championship but also for a berth in the upcoming tournament.
The remaining participants in the BKFC lightweight tournament are yet to be announced.
