Eddie Alvarez eyes quick turnaround after defeat to Shinya Aoki

by James Iannotti on Jan 1, 2009 10:15 PM EST

ll certainly be looking for a statement win in this fight, but depending on which Naoyuki Kotani shows up, that could be easier said than done.

The Kanagawa, Japan, native recently defeated Katsuhiko Nagata with a second round submission at a small show in Tokyo. It marked the 14th time in his career that he was victorious with a submission. Before that, however, he was on a four fight winless streak, which included dropping back-to-back contests in the UFC to Thiago Tavares and Dennis Siver at UFC Fight Night 9 and UFC 75: "Champion vs. Champion," respectively.

"War at the Shore" will also feature former Elite XC featherweight champion and Brazilian jiu-jitsu stud Wilson Reis (6-0), as well as highly regarded female fighter Tara Larosa (15-1).

Reis will take on Josh Ferguson (6-1) who is also a solid submissions artist, claiming all six of his career wins by way of tap out. It should be a very technical fight, and Reis is always a treat to watch.

Larosa's opponent is yet to be named. On fight night it will be a day short of 14 months since the last time she fought. At one time she was widely considered to be the top female mixed martial artist in the world, but in her absence we've seen the emergence of other stars such as Gina Carano and Cris Cyborg who have filled her void just fine.

She'll no doubt look to bring the attention back her way with a strong showing in this fight. Expect a big performance from her regardless of who they announce as her opponent.

Tickets for the event can still be had through the usual outlets such as Stubhub.com. If you live in the Atlantic City area you might want to check it out ... it's looking like a solid lineup of mixed martial arts action.

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That’s one good thing about top fighters being outside of the UFC. You have the chance to see them fight more often. That K-1 Show was cool. I love the freak shows hahaha.

by RyanHobbs on Jan 1, 2009 11:29 PM EST reply actions

yeah for sure… none of this fighting twice a year nonsense

by brendan on Jan 2, 2009 12:45 AM EST up reply actions

Especially with the title holders. I hate when the title is put on hold for TUF.

by RyanHobbs on Jan 2, 2009 2:39 AM EST up reply actions

I think Eddie has to be in the running for fighter of the year in 2008. He had a MONSTER year!

by john on Jan 2, 2009 12:21 PM EST up reply actions

Fall down and get right back up, my kind of fighter.

by ( (AdamG ) ) on Jan 1, 2009 11:39 PM EST reply actions

I agree completely. That’s one of the reasons why he’s my favourite fighter. I really hope to see him learn from his loss to Aoki and come back in stronger then he was before.

by Budgell on Jan 2, 2009 2:29 AM EST up reply actions

I was actually lucky enough to meet and spend some time with Eddie a few weeks back. What a great guy! Classy kid and a MONSTER in the gym!

One of his training partners is a really close friend of mine and we are going to show some Philadelpia support to Eddie in a few weeks when he fights in atlantic City. I will be attending that fight in person, and hopefully he wins and will be in a good mood so I can get to party with him afterwards!

I will be sure to do a write up about my experience and post it for those who are interested.

Im still waiting for Gomi vs. Alvarez! Someone get Gomi over to DREAM and away from Sengoku!

by john on Jan 2, 2009 12:20 PM EST up reply actions

eddie is defo gonna bounce back im 100% sure he will do it in style he is quickly becoming one of my favourite fighters

by ukmma on Jan 2, 2009 4:37 AM EST reply actions

Okay, so I’m from Philly. My birthday is on January 21st. I was planning on getting a room in AC that weekend anyway. I think this will work out perfectly for me. Now I just need to convince my friends to shell out some extra $$ for an MMA show.

by R-Dizzle on Jan 2, 2009 7:58 AM EST reply actions

R-Dizzle. I am also from Philly and will be attending the event with one of eddie’s training partners. Keep me posted about if you end up buying tickets for this event. I am always down to meet up for a drink with a fellow MMA Maniac!

by john on Jan 2, 2009 12:22 PM EST up reply actions