What a night it was in Vegas. Joe Duffy returned to winning ways, there were all kinds of announcements regarding UFC 200 and, the highlight of it all, Eddie Alvarez ended Rafael Dos Anjos' run as lightweight champion with one of the most spectacular first round performances you're likely to see.
Dos Anjos was the smart fighter, the man who improved to sit atop the lightweight division, seemingly untouchable. It didn't quite turn out like that.
You have to wonder how different things might have been had he not pulled out of that fight with Conor McGregor. Nonetheless, with McGregor concerned with Diaz and Alvarez taking the lightweight crown, it would appear unlikely that Dos Anjos is going to get that big money fight. Alvarez however, is very definitely putting himself in line to take that shot at McGregor.
Having defeated Pettis and Melendez on his way to the title shot, the Philadelphia native was looking for a 'gimme fight' next time around while speaking at the post fight press conference.
These are the best guys in the division. I'm not taking on top-15 so I would ask Dana White to give me an easier fight like Conor McGregor. I deserve that.
I've been fighting the best guys so I would like a gimme fight. I'd more than welcome that.
That wasn't all the new champion wanted to say.
"A lot of guys snake around fighting the best, and stay atop their whole career. @TheNotoriousMMA is one of those guys." @EAlvarezFight
— UFC (@ufc) July 8, 2016
"@TheNotoriousMMA would get found out if he fought someone like @RDosAnjosMMA." @EAlvarezFight #UFCVegas
— UFC (@ufc) July 8, 2016
Judging by his performance last night, Alvarez has every reason to be as confident as he is.
