“That fight in particular, I went back [after the third round], I assumed I won the fight. So to see a split, that was a little shocking for me… He’s so talented that it’s tough to take risks against a guy like that… When I signed with Lorenzo [Fertitta] and Dana [White], I simply told them I would like the best guys you guys have in the division. I didn’t want top-15 [guys]. I wasn’t looking to try to show the fans something I wasn’t. I wanted the best guys. … They’ve been giving me the best guys. To be honest, I don’t know what I deserve and stuff. It’s up to the boss man here. Whoever they give me, that’s who we’re going after. But hopefully it’s for the title. I’d love, love, love a shot at the title.”
-Eddie Alvarez talks about what he’s hoping for next at lightweight at the UFC Fight Night 81 post-fight press conference (via MMAJunkie.com).
Penick’s Analysis: It’s a bit of a catch-22 for a guy like Alvarez. Yes, it’s tough to take risks against someone like Pettis, but while his safe game plan allowed him to edge out a split decision that was questionable in its own right, it’s the risks that lead to rewards from the UFC. The win was far from classic Alvarez, in that he’s had a lot of really exciting performances in the past, and that type of win will not bring him the title shot he wants, no matter who it was against. He’s going to need something significantly more than a couple of close decision wins to get himself into that mix; what he did Sunday night just simply won’t cut it.
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