Eddie Alvarez boasts a distinguished career in combat sports.
As a former UFC Lightweight Champion and two-time Bellator Champion, Philadelphia native Eddie Alvarez stands as the sole MMA fighter, alongside Cris Cyborg, to have captured titles in both major organizations.
Well before claiming the UFC title from Rafael Dos Anjos in 2016, Alvarez had already established himself as one of Bellator`s most formidable fighters.
`The Underground King` compiled an impressive 9-1 record in Bellator MMA, with his only defeat being to rival Michael Chandler, whom he later defeated in a rematch.
Exactly sixteen years ago today, a 25-year-old Alvarez claimed his first world championship.
Eddie Alvarez Defeats Submission Ace Toby Imada to Win Bellator Lightweight Tournament
Bellator MMA hosted its inaugural lightweight tournament in 2009, featuring four competitors: Jorge Masvidal, Eddie Alvarez, Toby Imada, and Eric Reynolds.
Alvarez advanced to the final by submitting Reynolds, while Toby Imada secured his spot by rendering future BMF Champion Masvidal unconscious with an inverted triangle choke, a move often cited as one of MMA`s most remarkable submissions.
Imada boasts a professional record featuring 20 victories by submission.
Although anticipated as a classic striker vs. grappler contest, Alvarez proved dominant across all facets of mixed martial arts against Imada at Bellator 12.
In the second round of the championship bout, Alvarez dropped Imada with a precise overhand right.
Alvarez followed up with ground and pound from full mount before skillfully taking Imada`s back during a scramble and applying a rear-naked choke to the neck of the submission expert.
Within moments, Imada was compelled to tap out, and Alvarez was crowned the first Bellator Lightweight Champion.
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship Plans Lightweight Tournament
The 41-year-old Alvarez is presently competing under the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship banner, where he has faced notable opponents such as Mike Perry, Chad Mendes, and Jeremy Stephens.
Recently, BKFC President David Feldman confirmed the promotion will hold its own four-man tournament to determine a new BKFC Lightweight Champion, following the stripping of champion Franco Tenaglia`s title.
This coming weekend`s BKFC main event in Texas will feature Tony Soto and Ben Bonner, who will compete not only for entry into the tournament but also for the interim lightweight championship.
The full lineup for the BKFC lightweight tournament is currently unknown.
