September 27, 2016
Ask and you shall receive.
Earlier this year, Philly native Eddie Alvarez wanted a shot at the UFC lightweight title if he beat Anthony Pettis. Alvarez won, and got his title shot.
In July, Alvarez beat Rafael Dos Anjos with a stunning first-round TKO to become the new lightweight champion, and following the fight — his fourth (all against ranked opponents) since joining UFC in 2014 — the North Catholic grad asked if he could defend his title against a not-so-tough opponent. Namely, a "gimme fight" against Conor McGregor.
Late Monday night, UFC announced that the Kensington native will get his wish: Alvarez (28-4) will square off against McGregor with the lightweight title on the line as the main event at UFC 205 on Nov. 12 at Madison Square Garden.
McGregor (20-3) last fought at UFC 202 on August 20, when he won a rematch against Nate Diaz after Diaz upset the Irishman in his welterweight debut. McGregor is also the current featherweight champion, and according to UFC, he'll be able to keep that belt regardless.
When PhillyVoice caught up with Alvarez in his old neighborhood over the summer, the 32-year-old said that while he wanted to fight McGregor (assuming he beat Diaz in the rematch), he was tired of talking about one of the biggest stars in the sport.
“Conor McGregor. All that,” he said when asked to name the one thing about which he's tired of talking. “The media — I guess it’s for clicks — they all want his name in their article. It’s understandable. I get it. I feel like you can win a legitimate fight, and then you’re asked about this guy, you know? … So when I’m beating the best guys in the world, and [the media] come up to me and want to talk about Conor McGregor, I’m like, ‘Ugh, alright.’ I just want to put it to rest. That’s my mind about it.”
Now, there's going to be plenty to talk about.
Stay tuned for more...
