UFC vs. Bellator fight for Eddie Alvarez begins

Following his defeat of Shinya Aoki in a rematch that lasted only 92 seconds, Eddie Alvarez had four words for Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney.

“Show me the money.”

“I just could not be happier for this guy,” Rebney said a delighted Rebney. “It’s a big win. It reestablishes him as one of the greatest 155-pounders in the world. And he’s just an absolute class act. It’s been a pleasure working with him. I hope we are able to continue working with him for years to come.”

The immediate question is, will Bellator show Alvarez the money? Rebney was direct.

“I don’t think he’s left me with a lot of choice, do you?” Rebney said. “I knew going into it that a win in this kind of fight would obviously do for Ed, what Ed wanted to do for Ed.

“Ultimately, and it sounds counterintuitive, but it was what I was hoping he would do, which was have a spectacular performance and reestablish himself. Ed was riding an incredible wave, and it has been awesome for this promotion since its very infancy.”

A shortwhile later ZUFFA Chairman Lorenzo Fertitta reached out to Alvarez very publicly, via Twitter.

Lorenzo Fertitta ‏ @lorenzofertitta

hey been meaning to introduce myself.

Eddie Alvarez ‏ @EdAlvarezFight

@Lorenzofertitta lol just seen this ,its an honor brother,I think we already know each other . On my Way to Atlanta 4 some fights

Eddie Alvarez ‏ @EdAlvarezFight

lol just seen this ,its an honor brother,I think we already know each other . On my Way to Atlanta 4 some fights

Joe Rogan ‏ @joerogan

Congrats to @EdAlvarez Fight on his spectacular revenge victory tonight! I really hope we get to see you in the UFC someday!

Eddie Alvarez ‏ @EdAlvarezFight

thank you brother

UFC President Dana White also expressed interest in Alvarez.

“I think Eddie Alvarez is a great fighter,” said White. “You know us, man. We’re always looking to get the best fighters in the world in the UFC, and he’s one of them.”

The UFC is also interested in Cuban Hector Lombard. They almost acquired him 2007, but visa issues interfered. Now he has apparently been offered a contract, although White wouldn not confirm that, saying only with a smile “I like him a lot. So we’ll see what happens.”