UFC 211: Eddie Alvarez ready to take over lightweight division after ‘disastrous’ Conor McGregor chapter

After losing his Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Lightweight title to Conor McGregor at UFC 205 last November (see it again here), Eddie Alvarez is ready to spring back into action and take over the division he feels is rightfully his.

And he’s in a hurry to erase the “disastrous” chapter in his life that occurred in New York City by stringing together some solid performances.

“I had a bad night in November, and no problem. I got back on the horse about six weeks ago, met back up with my coaches, strength and conditioning coaches, Mark Henry and everybody, and we formulated a plan to come back to take over the division that I believe is mine,” said Eddie during his interview on Brian Stann’s Sirius XM Rush Show, Toe-To-Toe (via MMA Fighting). “It was a small chapter in my full book that will be my career. It was a disastrous chapter but now we get to write some new good ones.”

While Alvarez has already accomplished quite a bit in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) in various organizations, reaching the pinnacle of the sport by capturing a UFC world title in 2016, he is more excited with the challenges ahead of him.

“I made a lot of money and I won a lot of world titles. I really feel that right now is the time in my career to dig deep because in the past it was very simple to pinpoint a reason why: my children,” explained Eddie.

“I needed to do something for the people that are looking up to me. So I found the last couple of months I needed to dig deep to find even more of a ‘why’ to move forward, although I’ve accomplished what I’ve accomplished. I’ve done that and I’m excited. I’m rejuvenated about the opportunity to get back into the cage and show what I’m made of.”

Alvarez’s first step to redemption will come against Dustin Poirier, as the talented brawlers have been booked to swing leather at the upcoming UFC 211 pay-per-view (PPV) event on May 13, 2017 in Dallas, Texas (details here).

“He made a lot of noise with the Jim Miller fight,” Alvarez said. “He’s been putting on some great shows so I’m excited to get back in the cage with someone like that, someone of his style. I need a good fight like that in me. I have one in me right now, so I’m excited.”

Anyone think Eddie can return to the top of the 155-pound mountain, which is still being held hostage by a certain “Notorious” champion?