Eddie Alvarez upsets Rafael dos Anjos to win UFC gold

MANILA, Philippines – Former Bellator lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez fulfilled his dream to become an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) titleholder.

Alvarez accomplished the task by taking the UFC lightweight championship away from Rafael dos Anjos in the main event of UFC Fight Night 90 on Thursday, July 7 (Friday Manila time) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The 32-year-old American finished the job at 3:49 of the first round by scoring a technical knockout against Dos Anjos.

Alvarez needed one counter right hand to wobble Dos Anjos midway through the opening salvo and then swarmed with an incredible burst of power punches.

As Alvarez briefly wound up on Dos Anjos’ back after a wild attempt at a flying knee, he closed the distance with a final torrent of ferocious hooks and right uppercuts along the fence to compel referee Herb Dean to wave it off.

In his post-fight interview, an emotional Alvarez credited his family and camp for the stunning triumph over Dos Anjos as he is now riding high on a 3-fight winning streak.

“This has nothing to do with me. This has everything to do with my friends, my family, my trainers and my wife and kids. I love you guys,” he said.

With the win, Alvarez (28-4) becomes the eighth lightweight champion in UFC’s 23-year history.

On the other hand, Don Anjos snaps his 5-bout victory parade and downgrades to a 25-8 professional record.

“I came here in the best shape of my life. I have to give all the credit to Eddie, who did a great job,” Dos Anjos stated after the fight. “That’s the fight game, it happens. I won 10 of my last 11, but Eddie did a great job. I think I just got caught.

“I’m pretty sure I’ll be back. I’ll come to get my belt back,” he added. – Rappler.com