Eddie Alvarez has enjoyed a distinguished career in combat sports.
A former UFC Lightweight Champion and a two-time Bellator Champion, Philadelphia native Eddie Alvarez holds the unique distinction, along with Cris Cyborg, of being the only MMA fighter to secure championship belts in both prominent organizations.
Long before he overcame Rafael Dos Anjos to claim the UFC title in 2016, Alvarez had already cemented his legacy outside the Octagon by becoming one of Bellator`s most celebrated fighters.
`The Underground King` compiled an impressive 9-1 record within Bellator MMA. His single defeat was against rival Michael Chandler, a loss he would later avenge.
Sixteen years ago today, a 25-year-old Alvarez secured his inaugural world title.
Eddie Alvarez dropped and submitted Toby Imada to win Bellator’s four-man lightweight tournament
In 2009, Bellator MMA launched its first lightweight tournament, featuring four competitors: Jorge Masvidal, Eddie Alvarez, Toby Imada, and Eric Reynolds.
Alvarez advanced to the final by submitting Reynolds. Meanwhile, Toby Imada famously rendered future BMF Champion Masvidal unconscious with an inverted triangle choke in what is widely regarded as one of the greatest submissions in MMA history.
Imada is noted for his grappling prowess, holding 20 submission victories on his professional record.
Though anticipated as a classic striker versus grappler contest, Alvarez demonstrated comprehensive dominance against Imada across all areas at Bellator 12.
In the second round of their championship bout, Alvarez floored Imada with a precise overhand right.
Alvarez swiftly followed up with ground and pound from full mount before skillfully transitioning to take Imada`s back during a scramble and cinching in a rear-naked choke.
Within moments, Imada was compelled to tap out, and Eddie Alvarez was crowned the first Bellator Lightweight Champion.
The BKFC is planning their own four-man lightweight tournament
Alvarez, now 41, is currently competing in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, where he has faced notable opponents including Mike Perry, Chad Mendes, and Jeremy Stephens.
Recently, BKFC President David Feldman confirmed the promotion`s plan to host its own four-man tournament to determine a new BKFC Lightweight Champion, following the stripping of the title from Franco Tenaglia.
The main event of this weekend`s BKFC Texas card will see headliners Tony Soto and Ben Bonner compete not only for a spot in the upcoming tournament but also for the interim lightweight championship.
The full lineup of participants for the BKFC lightweight tournament has yet to be announced.
