Eddie Alvarez: MMA's Rocky Balboa
Posted on April 4, 2011, 03:57 AM by Ryan VenturaThe city of Philadelphia, best known through out the world as “the city of brotherly love”. Home of the famous cheese steak sandwiches, the Philadelphia Phillies, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. But the city of Philadelphia is also known for their fighting culture. The Philly Style of boxing is very well-known. “The Executioner” Bernard Hopkins is a legend in the sweet science and probably the city's best known fighter. But for the non-boxing fans when you think of Philadelphia, you probably think of the movie Rocky.
We are all too familiar with the story of Rocky Balboa. The underdog from the wrong side of town who becomes one of the most beloved fighters in history. From fighting in the streets to world champion, Rocky is an inspirational fictional story of triumph. A real life Mixed Martial Artist from the very same streets that the character Rocky grew up in, is a name hardcore fans are very familiar with.
Eddie Alvarez was born and raised in the Kensington area of Philadelphia. A place known for crime and recreational drug use. To stay out of the trouble and temptations that surrounded Eddie in his youth, he found wrestling while attending Northeast Catholic High School. He found success in grappling at the high school level and was a two-time All-American. His love and passion for competition was so strong, as soon as he graduated school he started to train in MMA. After eight months of formal training, he had his first professional fight, and brutally knocked out his opponent.
From that first fight in 2003, he just continued to become better and better each day. Accompanied by his wrestling base that he learned while in school, he developed very strong MMA boxing abilities to add to his already strong arsenal. After winning eight fights in a row, in 2006 Eddie became the BodogFIGHT Welterweight Champion. He successfully defended his title once, but during his second defense he loss via TKO against Nick Thompson. Right after that loss though, Eddie returned to his winning ways beating names like Joachim Hansen and Tatsuya Kawajiri along the way.
Eventually he earned the right to face Japanese icon Shinya Aoki at Dynamite 2008 for the WAMMA Lightweight title. Unfortunately for him, Aoki is one of the best when it comes to the ground game, and he handed Eddie his second career loss. It was back the drawing board and time for a fresh new start in Bellator's very first season in the Lightweight tournament. He submitted England's Greg Loughran, submitted Eric Reynolds, and even submitted world-class grappler Toby Imada to win the Bellator Lightweight Championship.
Not only did Eddie become one of our sport's most beloved knockout artists, he developed a very respectable submission game. He has grown into a complete Mixed Martial Artist. Right after winning the Bellator Lightweight strap, he returned to DREAM to submit Katsunori Kikuno. He came back to Bellator to submit Josh Neer at a 160lbs catchweight, destroyed Roger Huerta in a non-title match, and most recently dominated Pat Curran in a rare decision successfully defending his belt.
Eddie Alvarez is one of the few star fighters ranked in the top-ten in their division, who doesn't fight under the ZUFFA umbrella. The more he fights, the more fans he gains with his exciting brand of fighting and his signature fade haircut. We can expect Bellator boss Bjorn Rebney to do everything in his power to keep Alvarez in the circle cage.
From finding suitable opponents to challenge for his belt or even paying him more money, it'll be very difficult to hold on to him. Especially since majority of the world's best Lightweight Mixed Martial Artists under Strikeforce or UFC. Eventually the temptation to want to fight the likes of Gilbert Melendez, Frankie Edgar, Anthony Pettis, or even a rematch with Shinya Aoki could entice Alvarez into one of ZUFFA's promotions.
With hard work and determination, Eddie has become one of the best and most exciting fighters today. The fighting tradition of Philadelphia has now invaded the world of Mixed Martial Arts. From the slums to the promised land, Eddie Alvarez is truly MMA's Rocky Balboa.
Photo: Bellator
Comments
It surprises me that the UFC has not already tried to get Alvarez. He deserves to be there with the top lightweights.
They probably have, but Eddie Alvarez has said that he rather stick with Bellator. He has delusions of thinking he wants to be the best in the world outside of UFC. But really, in honesty, its because he would lose to Edgar/Maynard/Guida/Pettis/Guillard. Possibly [removed] I would continue but Im late for class
The timing was bad too. The UFC absorbed the WEC fighters and the WEC also had a lightweight division so there were way too many 155ers. Maybe once everything settles and fighters jump around to different weight classes to avoid being cut or maybe they just feel more comfortable and confident in another division, then the UFC might actually make an honest attempt to get Eddie in. Even if it's to go to SF.
Money talks and everyone has a price. Once he cleans out the Lightweight division, he'll probably move to the UFC or Strikeforce.
Pls go, LongStrokes. Not every top fighter has to sign with Zuffa to prove their ranking. In reality, none of them do. Zuffa is the one who refuses to prove their fighters against international talent, not the other way around.
Alvarez is far more talented than the likes of Guillard or Guida. Fights with the #1 LW Melendez, or the #2 in Edgar would be great fights. Maynard is overrated for having never finished a top 10 guy, and holding a SINGLE victory over a top 10 opponent.
Amen to that brother.
Yes, every real top fighter should sign with [removed] have pretty much all the great talent within their orgs. Zuffa refuses to let their fighters fight internationally so they can be the ones making profit, and to keep them fighting when they want. Its business done correctly. And there is no reason to fight internationally because UFC has most of the top talent all in one place. Alvarez is a top talent, but he wont be champ within the UFC. And Melendez at #1 is [removed] somewhat meaningful win he has is Josh Thomson. Japanese MMA fighters are all weak competition, except for the good wrestling based ones such as Okami and Stun Gun. They are overrated and are just seen as legit competition by the people who use the term "Zuffa Zombies". Which is completely moronic
maynard will rule this division for a couple of years i think. i dont understand all this need and criticism to finish fights is about. i knew a few years ago that the more the fighters got well rounded and the talent pool grew there wasnt going to me as many finishes. Maynard gsp and fitch especially dont finish granted but is there 3 more one sided fights when they fight out there? im not so sure.
great article man
the best article i seen on lowkick Eddie Alvarez is one of my fave lightweights the otha is frankie edgar cant choose who i like more....i dnt see many in ufc or strikeforce beating him but i dnt hel go ufc....he wud ave some sick fights dare
Just updated my Rankings. Eddie Alvarez #3 Lightweight in the World.
He's been my number three for a while now :D
Same. If he fought aoki and thompson today he would easily erase those 2 lossses on his record. He reminds me alot of frankie and BJ
You think today if he fought Aoki he'd beat him? I could see that happen, Gilbert Melendez exposed Aoki and Eddie could use a similar game plan. But I'll never count out Tobikan Judan ever, that guy can tap out anyone at any given time.
MMA's Rocky? More like MMA's James DeGale
Eddie is a great fighter. If he was fighting under Zuffa, he'd be champ. There's not a doubt in my mind. I'd love to see him against Guillard, Pettis, Miller, or even Penn if BJ dropped down.
MMA's version of Rocky Balboa? I think there's better selections out there for such a label like Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Randy Couture, Enson Inoue or Don Frye.
Not sold on Alvarez yet. Everybody seems to forget that Eddie was been rocked by fighters that are not known for their boxing, or knock out power for that matter. I don't know. I just don't see him being able to take on a vicious striker. He beat Joachim Hansen but he depended on his wrestling.
You've made great points as well, but I called Eddie Alvarez "MMA's Rocky" mainly because of the fact they are from the same place. Let's not take away the fact though that he has remain consistent his whole career. Eventually I can see him fighting the Melendez or another top ranked Lightweight in ZUFFA down the road.
Fair enough, and it's possible. Eddie is a very solid fighter and his last defeat came against a submission machine in Aoki (no shame in it).
BUT, in some ways in the stand up department, he's just like Roger Huerta. He sometimes gets alittle too confident and starts getting 'ghetto' with his fists. In his bout with Curran, there were plenty of opportunties for counters. Luckily for Alvarez, Pat is no striker.
LOL "ghetto" with his fists. Ya man when Eddie gets confident, he brawls. I personally think he can only get better from here man, he's only 27 years old, and I honestly don't believe he hasn't peaked yet.
Lol, it's stupid to describe brawling with that term but it's a gym habit. As soon as a fighter starts swinging for the fences, we simply just say "Oh, there he goes. He's going ghetto."
Yea, no doubt. He's still a young guy. He just needs to control himself.
Your right bro, Smokin' Joe has been a Philly resident for a while. I should have included him even though he ain't a native there like B-Hop.
I'm looking forward to his rematch with Pascal, it'll be a great display of real technical boxing, and the two have legit beef. Should be interesting.
He's good But I still think he would have trouble with Franky or BJ if he dropped down again.
I don't know man, I think he would give even BJ or Frankie hell.
Eddie Alvarez would be a Top 3 LW in the UFC, if not the Champion. He is an amazing fighter.
Eddie has stated himself that UFC sent him an offer and it was way less money than Bellator was offering him. You go where the most money is and where you can support your family.
The unnecessary hate on Eddie is ridiculous.
He is easily top 5 lightweight in the world. The way he fought Roger and comparing that with Gray i'd say EA is in the mix. I'd love to see him fight Gilbert whom i really think is the number one lightweight in the world.
Man i wish Eddie had fight Gilbert when there has still a chance!
now that Strikeforce is under Zuffa, im not sure they would consider it
Eddie style is so fun to watch!