Eddie Alvarez joined the UFC with one goal in mind and now that he's close, he's not taking any chances.
At the UFC Fight Night 81 post-fight press conference, Alvarez was asked whether he would accept a bout with fellow contender Khabib Nurmagomedov. The 32-year-old lightweight reaffirmed his position on wanting to fight for the title next.
"(The lightweight belt) is being defended in March, and I'm definitely willing to wait," said Alvarez according to Mike Bohn of MMAjunkie.com. "The thing is, I've fought everywhere all around the world against some of the best guys in the world.
"So, for me, my dreams and my goals are for that UFC title shot. I don't feel like I have much more to prove other than getting the best guy in the division. That's what I'm here for."
Alvarez's UFC record is deceiving. He's gone 2-1 in just three appearances for the organization, but every contest has seen him paired up with a top-10 fighter. His two split-decision victories over Gilbert Melendez and Anthony Pettis says more about their toughness than Alvarez's inability to put them away definitively.
His conquests outside of the UFC include decorated Japanese grappler Shinya Aoki and Bellator standout Michael Chandler. Having faced elite competition his whole career, Alvarez feels he has the formula to solve current lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos.
"I've fought guys like Rafael dos Anjos in the past, and I feel like his style; I know how to adapt, and I know how to adjust," said Alvarez. "I have the right team of coaches to get out there and get the job done now. I still have a lot of growing myself, but I can still out-will, out-spirit, and out-power Rafael dos Anjos."
