:Eddie Alvarez

Edward Alvarez was born on January 11, 1984, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Louis and Lillian Alvarez. He is of Puerto Rican and Irish descent.{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/mma/eddie-alvarez-is-proud-of-his-irish-roots-everything-you-need-to-know-about-mcgregors-next-opponent-35082678.html|title=Eddie Alvarez is proud of his Irish roots - Everything you need to know about McGregor's next opponent|date=September 27, 2016 }}{{cite podcast|url=https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vdWZjLXVuZmlsdGVyZWQtcG9kY2FzdA&episode=Z2lkOi8vYXJ0MTktZXBpc29kZS1sb2NhdG9yL1YwL2xURmp0azlkalpWUXVFYmljY0tCcmtBQTVrRGRtNFRXTDZxLTYxZGlVZjA&ved=0CPsFEM7CAmoXChMIoKzr1JDs6AIVAAAAAB0AAAAAEAE|title=UF8: Eddie Alvarez and Joanna Jedrzejczyk|host=Jim Norton|date=July 14, 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.phillyvoice.com/eddie-alvarez-family-friends-northeast-philly-ufc-lightweight-title/|title= Family, friends never doubted Philly's Eddie Alvarez would win UFC belt |author=Matt Mullin|publisher=phillyvoice.com|date=July 8, 2016}} He started boxing at Front Street Gym at the age of eight under his father and Frank Kubach.{{cite web|url=https://spiritnews.org/articles/meet-ufc-champion-eddie-alvarez/|title=Meet UFC Champion and Kensington-Native Eddie Alvarez|author=Tim McCloskey|date=October 13, 2016|website=spiritnews.org}} At the age of 11, Alvarez started wrestling in a youth wrestling program.{{cite web|url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/blogs/pattisonave/North-Catholic-to-MSG-Eddie-Alvarez-ready-for-McGregor-at-UFC-205.html|title=North Catholic to MSG: Eddie Alvarez ready for McGregor at UFC 205|author=Matt Breen|publisher=The Philadelphia Inquirer|date=November 10, 2016}}

He went to Northeast Catholic High School, excelling and becoming a varsity letterman in football, wrestling and track. Despite receiving partial scholarship offers to wrestle in various colleges after graduating in 2001, he decided to pursue a career in mixed martial arts.

Alvarez has a younger brother, Albert, who is a former mixed martial artist.{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2011/02/fight-path-albert-alvarez-stepping-out-of-the-shadow-of-his-famed-older-brother|title=Fight Path: Albert Alvarez stepping out of the shadow of his famed older brother|date=February 10, 2011|publisher=mmajunkie.com}}

Alvarez claims to have fought over 100 unsanctioned bouts before starting as a professional fighter as there were no amateur fights available. He paid $250 for a slot in Ring of Combat 5 to start his professional mixed martial arts career in 2003.

Alvarez won the MFC Welterweight Championship in his seventh professional fight in June 2006, when he defeated Derrick Noble via KO at 1:01 of the first round. The MFC Welterweight Championship would later be re-branded the BodogFIGHT Welterweight Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.bellator.com/fighters/Lightweight-(155-lbs-2E)/Eddie-Alvarez/details.html|title=Eddie Alvarez|publisher=bellator.com|author=bellator.com|access-date=July 16, 2009}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}

In spite of the fact that many insiders did not consider 170 pounds to be Alvarez's best competitive fighting weight, he continued to fight larger opponents, as he relished testing his mettle against bigger fighters.{{cite web|author=Breen, Jordan |url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/alvarez-wouldve-bood-santa-claus-too-8253 |title=Alvarez Would've Boo'd Santa Claus, Too |publisher=sherdog.com |date=July 13, 2007 |access-date=July 16, 2009 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130202024027/http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/alvarez-wouldve-bood-santa-claus-too-8253 |archive-date=February 2, 2013 |url-status=live }} At Bodog Fight's "Clash of the Nations" pay per view in Russia on April 14, 2007, Alvarez's size disadvantage would be exposed, as he suffered his first career loss when he was TKO'd by UFC veteran Nick Thompson at 4:32 into round 2.

After deciding to leave Bodog, Alvarez signed with EliteXC. He competed in their 160-pound division against Ross Ebanez, winning by TKO.{{cite web|author=Hall, Joe |url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/alvarez-and-daley-shine-in-shoxc-10994 |title=Alvarez and Daley Shine in ShoXC |publisher=sherdog.com |date=January 26, 2008 |access-date=July 16, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100121120701/http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/Alvarez-and-Daley-Shine-in-ShoXC-10994 |archive-date=January 21, 2010 |url-status=live }}

A few weeks prior to the first event, it was announced that the Japanese promotion DREAM, started by the minds behind PRIDE FC and K-1 had signed Alvarez to compete in their 154-pound grand prix.

His first fight was against Andre Amade, who hailed from the Chute Boxe Academy. Alvarez won via TKO due to strikes late in the first round.{{cite web|author=Nowe, Jason |url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/2/Aoki-JZ-Ruled-No-Contest-Six-Others-Advance-11827 |title=Aoki-JZ Ruled No Contest, Six Others Advance |publisher=sherdog.com |date=March 15, 2008 |access-date=July 16, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080919211248/http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/2/aoki-jz-ruled-no-contest-six-others-advance-11827 |archive-date=September 19, 2008 |url-status=live }}

Alvarez advanced to the second round of the tournament, where he defeated top-ranked Lightweight fighter Joachim Hansen on May 11, 2008, by unanimous decision.{{cite web |author=Sherdog.com |url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles.asp?n_id=12714 |title=Post-Dream Notebook |publisher=Sherdog.com |access-date=May 6, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080516233504/http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles.asp?n_id=12714 |archive-date=May 16, 2008 |url-status=live }}

In his fight at the Dream 5: Lightweight Grand Prix 2008 Final Round, Alvarez knocked out top-ranked Lightweight fighter Tatsuya Kawajiri in the tournament's semi-finals. The fight was awarded Fight of the Year by Sherdog for 2008. However, he was unable to advance in the tournament due to a cut and severe swelling under his right eye. Alvarez's replacement was Joachim Hansen, whom he defeated two months earlier. Hansen went on to win the tournament and capture the DREAM lightweight title.{{Cite web|last=Bolender|first=Derek|title=MMA: Eddie Alvarez-DREAM Interrupted|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/39589-mma-eddie-alvarez-dream-interrupted|access-date=May 25, 2021|website=Bleacher Report|language=en}}

Alvarez was scheduled to face UFC and PRIDE veteran Nick Diaz for the EliteXC 160 pound title on November 8, 2008.{{cite web|url=http://mmaweekly.com/eddie-alvarez-vs-nick-diaz-for-elitexc-gold-2|title=EDDIE ALVAREZ VS NICK DIAZ FOR ELITEXC GOLD |publisher=MMAWeekly.com |date=October 2, 2008 |access-date=May 6, 2009}} However, the fight was canceled when EliteXC's parent ProElite filed for bankruptcy. On New Year's Eve 2008, Alvarez fought Shinya Aoki at K-1 Dynamite!! 2008, losing by submission in the first round. He was subsequently signed to an exclusive contract with Bellator Fighting Championships.{{cite web|author=bellator.com |url=http://www.bellator.com/news/111-eddie-alvarez-press-release.html |title=Bellator Fighting Championships Signs Eddie Alvarez, One of the World's Best |publisher=bellator.com |date=February 2, 2009 |access-date=July 16, 2009 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240524104757/https://www.webcitation.org/5iUO1QZHR?url=http://www.bellator.com/news/111-eddie-alvarez-press-release.html |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |url-status=dead }}

Alvarez entered Bellator's lightweight tournament at Bellator's inaugural event on April 3, 2009. He fought Northern Irishman Greg Loughran, whom he submitted with a guillotine choke.{{cite web|url=http://blog.bellator.com/blog/2009/04/eddie-alvarez-vs-greg-loughran.html |title=Bellator Fight Results: Eddie Alvarez vs. Greg Loughran |publisher=www.bellator.com |access-date=July 13, 2009 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20090723193423/http://blog.bellator.com/blog/2009/04/eddie-alvarez-vs-greg-loughran.html |archive-date=July 23, 2009 |url-status=dead }} His next fight at the tournament's semi-finals took place four weeks later at Bellator 5, against Eric Reynolds. After controlling the bout for two rounds, Alvarez used a rear-naked choke to submit Reynolds in the third.{{cite web|url=http://blog.bellator.com/2009/05/eric-reynolds-vs-eddie-alvarez.html |title=Bellator Fightighting Championship: Eric Reynolds vs. Eddie Alvarez |publisher=www.bellator.com |access-date=July 14, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090607023824/http://blog.bellator.com/2009/05/eric-reynolds-vs-eddie-alvarez.html |archive-date=June 7, 2009 |url-status=dead }}

Alvarez advanced to the lightweight tournament's finals, which took place at Bellator 12 on June 19, 2009. He fought and defeated Toby Imada, via a rear naked choke submission early in the second round, to become Bellator's first ever lightweight champion.{{cite web|url=http://blog.bellator.com/2009/06/eddie-alvarez-vs-toby-imada.html |title=Bellator Fightighting Championship: Eddie Alvarez vs. Toby Imada |publisher=www.bellator.com |access-date=July 14, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090626075309/http://blog.bellator.com/2009/06/eddie-alvarez-vs-toby-imada.html |archive-date=June 26, 2009 |url-status=dead }}

Alvarez faced Josh Neer in a non-title "Super fight" on May 6, 2010, at Bellator 17, in which he defeated Neer via rear-naked choke at 2:08 of round 2.{{cite news| url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/mma/post/2010/05/eddie-alvarez-puts-neer-to-sleep-with-choke-at-bellator-17/1 | work=USA Today | title=Eddie Alvarez puts Neer to sleep with choke at Bellator 17 | date=May 6, 2010}}

Alvarez was supposed to fight the Season 2 Lightweight Tournament Winner Pat Curran in a defense of his title, but his opponent was pulled from the card due to an injury in his right shoulder. He instead faced Roger Huerta at Bellator 33 held in his hometown of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2010/08/12/roger-huerta-meets-eddie-alvarez-at-bellator-33-in-philadelphia|title=Roger Huerta Meets Eddie Alvarez at Bellator 33 in Philadelphia|author=Erickson, Matt |publisher=MMA Fighting|date=August 13, 2010}} He won the fight via TKO (doctor stoppage) between the 2nd and 3rd rounds. Alvarez then publicly stated that he wanted his next fight to be against the Strikeforce Lightweight Champion, Gilbert Melendez.

Alvarez defeated Pat Curran on April 2, 2011, via unanimous decision (49–46, 50–45, 50–45) to retain the Bellator Lightweight Championship at Bellator 39.{{cite news | url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/22502/eddie-alvarez-vs-pat-curran-title-fight-headlines-bellator-39.mma | work=mmajunkie.com | title=Eddie Alvarez vs. Pat Curran title fight headlines Bellator 39 | date=February 17, 2011 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110221202526/http://mmajunkie.com/news/22502/eddie-alvarez-vs-pat-curran-title-fight-headlines-bellator-39.mma | archive-date=February 21, 2011 }}

Alvarez faced Michael Chandler on November 19, 2011, at Bellator 58 in what was called by many publications as the '2011 Fight of the Year'.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/25659/champ-eddie-alvarez-meets-michael-chandler-at-novembers-bellator-58.mma|title=Champ Eddie Alvarez meets Michael Chandler at November's Bellator 58|publisher=MMAJunkie.com|date=October 13, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111014070944/http://mmajunkie.com/news/25659/champ-eddie-alvarez-meets-michael-chandler-at-novembers-bellator-58.mma|archive-date=October 14, 2011}} He was defeated by Chandler by rear naked choke in the fourth round. Chandler came in very aggressive in the first round, nearly finishing Alvarez.{{cite web |last1=Carey |first1=Joshua |title=Bellator 58 Video: Michael Chandler Defeats Eddie Alvarez to Win Championship |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/948981-bellator-58-video-michael-chandler-defeats-eddie-alvarez-to-win-championship |website=bleacherreport.com |access-date=December 23, 2021 |date=November 20, 2011}}

Alvarez faced Shinya Aoki in a rematch at Bellator 66.{{cite web|url=http://www.bellator.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=23600&ATCLID=205389862 |title=Bellator 66 – IX Center, Cleveland, OH |publisher=Bellator Fighting Championships |access-date=April 5, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503140915/http://www.bellator.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=205389862&DB_OEM_ID=23600 |archive-date=May 3, 2012 }} He won the fight via TKO in the first round.{{cite web |last1=MMAWeekly.com Staff |title=Bellator 66 Results: Eddie Alvarez Exacts His Revenge on Shinya Aoki |url=https://www.mmaweekly.com/bellator-66-results-eddie-alvarez-exacts-his-revenge-on-shiny-aoki |website=mmaweekly.com |access-date=December 23, 2021 |date=April 21, 2012}}

Alvarez faced Patricky Freire at Bellator 76, and defeated Freire in the first round via KO. This was the last fight on Alvarez's contract with Bellator and he passed the organization's contractual period of exclusive negotiation. Alvarez agreed in principle to signing with the UFC, reportedly including a share of pay-per-view revenue in addition to show and win money. Bellator, however, invoked a clause in the original contract to match the UFC's offer and re-sign Alvarez, matching the show and win purse and alleging that the pay-per-view cut in the UFC's offer to be strictly hypothetical. Alvarez and his management subsequently filed two lawsuits against Bellator.{{cite magazine|last=Hunt|first=Loretta|title=Eddie Alvarez, Bellator sue each other over contract dispute|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/mma/news/20130110/eddie-alvarez/|magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=January 22, 2013|archive-date=May 17, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517032230/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/mma/news/20130110/eddie-alvarez/|url-status=dead}}

On August 13, 2013, it was announced that Alvarez and Bellator had reached an agreement regarding his contract status. Alvarez faced Michael Chandler on November 2, 2013, at Bellator 106.{{cite web |url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/08/eddie-alvarez-and-bellator-mend-fences-book-michael-chandler-rematch-for-ppv |title=Eddie Alvarez and Bellator mend fences, book Michael Chandler rematch for PPV |publisher=mmajunkie.com |access-date=August 13, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105004438/http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/08/eddie-alvarez-and-bellator-mend-fences-book-michael-chandler-rematch-for-ppv |archive-date=November 5, 2013 |date=August 13, 2013 }} He won via split decision in a close fight to become the Bellator Lightweight Champion for the second time. Much like the first time they met, Alvarez and Chandler engaged in another highly praised,{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/11/bellator-106-resultsphotos-michael-chandler-vs-eddie-alvarez|title=Bellator 106 results/photos: Eddie Alvarez tops Michael Chandler in classic|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=July 12, 2015|date=November 3, 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2013/11/3/5059806/bellator-106-in-tweets-pros-react-to-alvarez-vs-chandler-newton-vs|title=Bellator 106 in Tweets: Pros react to Alvarez vs. Chandler, Newton vs. King Mo, more|author=Al-Shatti, Shaun |work=MMA Fighting|access-date=July 12, 2015|date=November 3, 2013}} back and forth battle. In the early rounds, Alvarez's jab and punching combinations found their home, damaging the left eye of Chandler, while Chandler was able to land multiple take down attempts and slams, and threatened a rear naked choke. The third round saw Eddie land with some crisp combinations. In the fourth round, Chandler landed a flying knee and some brutal ground and pound which hurt Eddie. By the fifth round, both fighters were busted up and bleeding badly. Chandler caught Alvarez in a neck crank, but Alvarez escaped and nearly finished the fight two times with rear-naked choke attempts. Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney called the fight the best he'd ever seen. The decision was not without some controversy, with several media outlets scoring the fight for Chandler.{{cite web|url=http://mmadecisions.com/decision/4649/Eddie-Alvarez-vs-Michael-Chandler|title=Eddie Alvarez def. Michael Chandler :: Bellator 106 :: MMA Decisions|work=MMADecisions.com|access-date=July 12, 2015}}

Rebney stated in the post fight press conference that the two would meet again in a rubber match, possibly on pay-per-view, once they both have recuperated. A third fight with Michael Chandler was set up for the main event of Bellator 120 on May 17, 2014. However, a week before the fight, it was announced that Alvarez had suffered a concussion and was forced to pull out of the fight.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2014/5/10/5702972/eddie-alvarez-suffers-concussion-out-of-bellator-120|title=Eddie Alvarez suffers concussion, out of Bellator 120 |publisher=mmafighting.com |access-date=May 10, 2014|date=May 10, 2014 }}{{cite web | url=http://www.fightofthenight.com/news/eddie-alvarez-pulls-out-of-bellator-ppv-headliner-next-weekend-due-to-concussion | title=Eddie Alvarez Pulls Out Of Bellator PPV Headliner Next Weekend Due To Concussion | publisher=Fight of the Night | date=May 10, 2014 | access-date=May 13, 2014 | author=Cole, Ross}}

In August 2014, new Bellator MMA president Scott Coker announced that Alvarez had been released from his contract with the promotion.{{cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/08/bellator-mma-releases-long-embattled-lightweight-champion-eddie-alvarez|title=Bellator MMA releases long embattled lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez|publisher=MMAjunkie.com|author=Erickson, Matt |access-date=August 19, 2014|date=August 19, 2013}}

On August 19, 2014, the UFC announced that they had signed Alvarez to a contract. He made his promotional debut against fan favorite and top contender Donald Cerrone in the co-main event at UFC 178 on September 27, 2014.{{cite news|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2014/8/19/6046525/mma-news-eddie-alvarez-vs-donald-cerrone-ufc-178-co-main-event|title=Eddie Alvarez to fight Donald Cerrone in UFC 178 co-main event|publisher=bloodyelbow.com|author=Alexander, Mookie|access-date=August 19, 2014|date=August 19, 2013|archive-date=July 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711070511/https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2014/8/19/6046525/mma-news-eddie-alvarez-vs-donald-cerrone-ufc-178-co-main-event|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2014/8/19/6046537/eddie-alvarez-signs-with-ufc-fights-donald-cerrone-in-ufc-178-co-main|title=Eddie Alvarez signs with UFC, fights Donald Cerrone in UFC 178 co-main event|publisher=mmafighting.com|date=August 19, 2014}} Despite absorbing several flurries of clinch strikes from Alvarez through the first round, Cerrone recovered from a slow start and ended up controlling the rest of the fight with leg kicks that eventually hurt Alvarez. Alvarez lost the fight via a unanimous decision.{{cite news|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/donald-cerrone-steals-show--closes-in-on-title-shot-with-win-over-eddie-alvarez-043447026-mma.html|title=Donald Cerrone steals show, closes in on title shot with win over Eddie Alvarez|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Iole, Kevin |access-date=September 28, 2014|date=September 28, 2013}}

Alvarez was expected to face Benson Henderson on January 18, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 59.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/10/report-benson-henderson-vs-eddie-alvarez-added-to-ufc-fight-night-59-in-boston|title=Benson Henderson vs. Eddie Alvarez co-headlines UFC Fight Night 59 in Boston|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|access-date=October 29, 2014|date=October 29, 2014}} However, Alvarez pulled out of the bout and was replaced by Donald Cerrone.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/01/donald-cerrone-replaces-eddie-alvarez-meets-benson-henderson-at-ufc-fight-night-59|title=Donald Cerrone replaces Eddie Alvarez, meets Benson Henderson at UFC Fight Night 59|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=January 5, 2015|access-date=January 5, 2015}}

Alvarez faced Gilbert Melendez on June 13, 2015, at UFC 188.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/02/eddie-alvarez-vs-gilbert-melendez-co-headlines-ufc-188-in-mexico-city|title=Eddie Alvarez vs. Gilbert Melendez co-headlines UFC 188 in Mexico City|publisher=MMAjunkie.com|author=Staff|date=February 23, 2015|access-date=February 23, 2015}} Alvarez won the fight by split decision.{{cite web |url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2015/6/14/8777411/ufc-188-results-eddie-alvarez-edges-gilbert-melendez-for-first-ufc-win|title=UFC 188 results: Eddie Alvarez edges Gilbert Melendez for first UFC win|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Doyle, Dave |date=June 14, 2015|access-date=June 14, 2015}}

Alvarez faced Anthony Pettis on January 17, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 81.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/09/eddie-alvarez-says-hes-booked-for-anthony-pettis-at-ufcs-january-card-in-boston|title=Eddie Alvarez says he's booked for Anthony Pettis at UFC's January card in Boston|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Erickson, Matt |date=September 11, 2015|access-date=September 11, 2015}} Despite being a heavy underdog going into the fight Alvarez was able to pressure and control Pettis. Alvarez won the fight by split decision.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/01/ufc-fight-night-81-results-eddie-alvarez-edges-anthony-pettis-by-split-decision|title=UFC Fight Night 81 results: Eddie Alvarez edges Anthony Pettis by split decision|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Fowlkes, Ben |date=January 18, 2016|access-date=January 18, 2016}}

In his fourth UFC fight, Alvarez faced Rafael dos Anjos on July 7, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 90 for the UFC Lightweight Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com/ufc/story/ufc-rafael-dos-anjos-eddie-alvarez-lightweight-title-ufc-fight-pass-041516|title=Rafael dos Anjos defends his title against Eddie Alvarez on UFC Fight Pass|work=foxsports.com|author=Martin, Damon |date=April 15, 2016|access-date=April 15, 2016}} Despite being a three-to-one underdog going into the fight, Alvarez found his range early and rocked dos Anjos with a right hand just past the halfway point of the first round. He then swarmed dos Anjos and landed a barrage of unanswered punches before the fight was stopped via TKO.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2016/7/8/12126554/ufc-fight-night-90-results-eddie-alvarez-blitzes-rafael-dos-anjos|title=UFC Fight Night 90 results: Eddie Alvarez blitzes Rafael dos Anjos, wins lightweight title|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Doyle, Dave |date=July 8, 2016|access-date=July 8, 2016}} The win also earned Alvarez his first Performance of the Night bonus award.{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-Fight-Night-Bonuses-Alvarez-Jouban-Muhammad-Munhoz-Collect-3650K-107639|title=UFC Fight Night bonuses: Alvarez, Jouban, Muhammad, Munhoz collect $50K|publisher=sherdog.com|author=Critchfield, Tristen |date=July 7, 2016|access-date=July 7, 2016}}

Alvarez made his first title defense against the then UFC Featherweight Champion Conor McGregor on November 12, 2016, at UFC 205 in Madison Square Garden in New York City. It was a historic event for the UFC as it was the first UFC event in New York since the lifting of the state's long-standing ban on MMA.{{cite news|url=http://www.foxsports.com/ufc/story/eddie-alvarez-vs-conor-mcgregor-headlines-ufc-205-in-new-york-092616|title=Eddie Alvarez vs. Conor McGregor headlines UFC 205 in New York|work=foxsports.com|author=Martin, Damon |date=September 27, 2016|access-date=September 27, 2016}} He lost the fight via TKO in the second round, after being outstruck in the first round.{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-live-coverage-ufc-205-mcgregor-vs-alvarez-20161110-htmlstory.html|title=UFC 205: Conor McGregor claims lightweight title with knockout of Eddie Alvarez|work=Los Angeles Times|author=Martin, Todd |date=November 13, 2016|access-date=November 13, 2016}}

In his first fight after losing the Lightweight title, Alvarez faced Dustin Poirier on May 13, 2017, at UFC 211.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/05/ufc-211-eddie-alvarez-vs-dustin-poirier-no-contest-after-another-grounded-fighter-rule-controversy|title=Ex-lightweight champ Eddie Alvarez vs. Dustin Poirier added to UFC 211 in Dallas|date=March 7, 2017|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|access-date=March 7, 2017}} Poirier rocked Alvarez in the second round, but was subsequently dropped when Alvarez landed two illegal knees while Poirier was against the fence. With the Texas commission not operating under the new unified rules, referee Herb Dean declared the fight a No Contest as he did not believe Alvarez knew Poirier was a grounded opponent at the time.{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/mma/news/ufc-211-results-eddie-alvarez-dustin-poirier-ruled-no-contest-after-illegal-knees/|title=UFC 211 results: Eddie Alvarez-Dustin Poirier ruled no contest after illegal knees|publisher=cbssports.com|author=Campbell, Brian |date=May 14, 2017|access-date=May 14, 2017}}

In July 2017, it was announced that Alvarez would be a coach on The Ultimate Fighter 26 against former WSOF Lightweight Champion Justin Gaethje.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/07/justin-gaethje-eddie-alvarez-the-ultimate-fighter-26-coaches|title=Justin Gaethje, ex-UFC champ Eddie Alvarez to coach Season 26 of 'The Ultimate Fighter'|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Marrocco, Steven |date=July 13, 2017|access-date=July 13, 2017}} A bout with Gaethje took place on December 2, 2017, at UFC 218.{{cite news|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2017/9/14/16310224/report-tuf-coaches-alvarez-vs-gaethje-at-ufc-218|title=TUF coaches Alvarez and Gaethje to throw down at UFC 218|publisher=mmamania.com|author=Harkness, Ryan |date=September 14, 2017|access-date=September 14, 2017}} Alvarez won the fight via knockout in the third round.{{Cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/12/ufc-218-results-eddie-alvarez-first-to-stop-justin-gaethje-with-sick-knee-in-all-time-classic|title=UFC 218 results: Eddie Alvarez first to stop Justin Gaethje with sick knee in all-time classic|date=December 3, 2017|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=December 3, 2017|language=en-US}} The fight earned both participants the Fight of the Night bonus award.{{Cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/12/ufc-218-bonuses-amazing-night-forces-two-fight-of-the-night-awards|title=UFC 218 bonuses: Amazing night forces two 'Fight of the Night' awards|date=December 3, 2017|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=December 3, 2017|language=en-US}}

In the last fight of his UFC contract, Alvarez faced Dustin Poirier on July 28, 2018, in a rematch in the main event at UFC on Fox 30.{{Cite news|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/5/10/17339942/eddie-alvarez-vs-dustin-poirier-2-to-take-place-at-ufc-on-fox-30-in-calgary|title=Eddie Alvarez vs. Dustin Poirier 2 to take place at UFC on FOX 30 in Calgary|work=MMA Fighting|access-date=May 11, 2018}}{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/05/on-off-on-again-dustin-poirier-says-eddie-alvarez-fight-set-for-ufc-on-fox-30|title=On, off, on again: Dustin Poirier says Eddie Alvarez fight set for UFC on FOX 30|date=May 11, 2018|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=May 11, 2018|language=en-US}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2018/5/10/17343006/ufc-calgary-eddie-alvarez-vs-dustin-poirier-rematch-made-mma-news|title=Eddie Alvarez vs. Dustin Poirier rematch set for UFC Calgary|work=Bloody Elbow|access-date=May 11, 2018|archive-date=February 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202103247/https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2018/5/10/17343006/ufc-calgary-eddie-alvarez-vs-dustin-poirier-rematch-made-mma-news|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/5/28/17358098/eddie-alvarez-rolling-the-dice-on-himself-fighting-last-fight-of-ufc-contract-against-dustin-poirier|title=Eddie Alvarez 'rolling the dice' on himself, fighting last fight of UFC contract against Dustin Poirier|author=Shaun Al-Shatti|date=May 28, 2018|publisher=mmafighting.com}} He lost the fight via TKO in the second round.{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/07/ufc-on-fox-30-calgary-results-dustin-poirier-blasts-through-eddie-alvarez-tko-rematch|title=UFC on FOX 30 results: Dustin Poirier blasts through Eddie Alvarez in second|date=July 29, 2018|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=October 16, 2018|language=en-US}}

On October 15, 2018, it was announced that Alvarez signed with ONE Championship, set to make his promotional debut some time in early 2019 as part of their Lightweight division.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/10/16/17982186/eddie-alvarez-officially-signs-with-one-championship|title=Eddie Alvarez officially signs with ONE Championship|author=Jose Youngs Staff|date=October 16, 2018|publisher=mmafighting.com}}{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/10/eddie-alvarez-ends-free-agency-signs-one-championship|title=Ex-UFC champ Eddie Alvarez signs with ONE Championship|date=October 16, 2018|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=October 16, 2018|language=en-US}}

On November 7, 2018, it was announced that Alvarez would be one of eight participants in the ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix.{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/One-Announces-Flyweight-Lightweight-Tourneys-Featuring-Demetrious-Johnson-Eddie-Alvarez-145103|title=ONE Announces Flyweight, Lightweight tourneys featuring Demetrious Johnson, Eddie Alvarez}} On December 19, 2018, it was announced that Alvarez faced Timofey Nastyukhin at ONE Championship: A New Era on March 31, 2019, in promotion's inaugural event in Japan.{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/12/demetrious-johnson-eddie-alvarez-make-one-championship-debuts-march-31-in-japan|title=Demetrious Johnson, Eddie Alvarez make ONE Championship debuts March 31 in Japan|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=December 19, 2018}} He lost the fight by TKO in the first round.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2019/3/31/18289105/one-championship-a-new-era-results-shinya-aoki-chokes-eduard-folayang-xiong-jin-nan-stops-angela-lee|title=ONE Championship: A New Era results: Shinya Aoki chokes out Eduard Folayang to win title, Xiong Jing Nan stops Angela Lee|last=Lee|first=Alexander K.|date=March 31, 2019|website=MMA Fighting|access-date=April 1, 2019}}

Alvarez returned at ONE Championship: Dawn of Heroes on August 2, 2019, against former ONE lightweight champion Eduard Folayang.{{cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2019/06/10/eddie-alvarez-demetrious-johnson-return-one-championship-dawn-heroes-august/|title=Eddie Alvarez, Demetrious Johnson Return at ONE Championship: Dawn of Heroes in August|last=Anderson|first=Jay|date=June 10, 2019|website=Cageside Press|access-date=June 10, 2019}} He won the fight via first round rear-naked choke after being dropped by a leg kick early in the round.{{cite web |last1=Atkin |first1=Nicholas |title=One Championship: Eddie Alvarez taken to hospital after submitting Eduard Folayang in comeback win |url=https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3021265/one-championship-eddie-alvarez-submits-eduard |website=scmp.com |access-date=December 23, 2021 |date=August 2, 2019}}

Alvarez was expected to face Saygid Arslaniev in the ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix final, but on September 26, 2019, news surfaced that he had to withdraw from the bout due to an injury. He was replaced by ONE Lightweight Champion Christian Lee.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2019/9/26/20885036/christian-lee-replaces-injured-eddie-alvarez-in-one-lightweight-world-grand-prix-final|title=Christian Lee replaces injured Eddie Alvarez in ONE lightweight World Grand Prix final|date=September 26, 2019|publisher=mmafighting.com}} The bout with Arslaniev was to be rebooked for ONE Infinity 2 on June 26, 2020,{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/2/20/21145167/one-championship-announces-new-fights-for-eddie-alvarez-christian-lee-and-aung-la-n-sang|title=ONE Championship announces new fights for Eddie Alvarez, Christian Lee and Aung La N Sang|author=Damon Martin|publisher=mmafighting.com|date=February 20, 2020}} but canceled due to the Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sports.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/66737-one-championship-code-of-honor|title = ONE Championship: Infinity 2 (Cancelled) | Event}}

Alvarez faced former ONE lightweight title challenger Iuri Lapicus at ONE on TNT 1 on April 7, 2021. The event took place in Singapore and aired in a primetime slot in the United States on TNT.{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/01/one-championship-demetrious-johnson-eddie-alvarez-april-7|title=Demetrious Johnson, Eddie Alvarez set for primetime ONE Championship show on April 7|website=MMA Junkie|date=January 23, 2021|access-date=January 24, 2021}} He was disqualified after repeatedly throwing punches to the back of Lapicus's head.{{cite web |last1=Anderson |first1=Jay |title=ONE on TNT 1: Eddie Alvarez DQ'd for Illegal Strikes Against Iuri Lapicus |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2021/04/07/one-on-tnt-1-eddie-alvarez-dqs-for-illegal-strikes-against-iuri-lapicus/ |website=Cageside Press |access-date=April 8, 2021 |date=April 7, 2021}} The call to disqualify Alvarez was considered controversial by multiple outlets and professional fighters as it appeared he was striking Lapicus's ear before Lapicus started turning his head.{{cite web |last1=Harkness |first1=Ryan |title=Dan Hardy breaks down Eddie Alvarez's controversial ONE on TNT disqualification loss |url=https://www.mmamania.com/2021/4/8/22374643/dan-hardy-breaks-down-eddie-alvarezs-controversial-one-on-tnt-dq-loss-lapicus |website=mmamania.com |date=April 8, 2021 |access-date=April 24, 2021}}{{cite web |last1=Albano |first1=Thomas |title=ONE on TNT 1: Twitter reacts to Eddie Alvarez's controversial disqualification against Iuri Lapicus |url=https://fansided.com/2021/04/07/one-tnt-1-twitter-reacts-eddie-alvarez-getting-disqualified-iuri-lapicus/ |website=fansided.com |date=April 7, 2021 |access-date=April 24, 2021}} Alvarez appealed the final decision and the result was later overturned to a no contest.{{Cite web|date=April 26, 2021|title=Alvarez loss to Lapicus overturned to no contest|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/31337781/eddie-alvarez-dq-loss-iuri-lapicus-overturned-no-contest|access-date=April 26, 2021|website=ESPN.com|language=en}}

Three weeks after his last bout, Alvarez faced Ok Rae Yoon at ONE on TNT 4 on April 28, 2021.{{cite web|url=https://asianmma.com/eddie-alvarez-faces-ok-rae-yoon-at-one-on-tnt-part-iv/|title= Eddie Alvarez faces Ok Rae Yoon at ONE on TNT Part IV |date=April 22, 2021|website=asianmma.com}} He lost a close bout via unanimous decision.{{Cite web|last=Martin|first=Damon|date=April 28, 2021|title=ONE on TNT 4 results: Ok Rae Yoon nearly finishes Eddie Alvarez early, ultimately wins unanimous decision|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/4/28/22409002/one-on-tnt-4-results-ok-rae-yoon-nearly-finishes-eddie-alvarez-ultimately-wins-unanimous-decision|access-date=April 29, 2021|website=MMA Fighting|language=en}}

On September 21, 2022, it was announced that Alvarez had agreed to be released from his contract with ONE Championship.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3193219/one-championship-and-eddie-alvarez-agree-part|title=Exclusive {{!}} ONE Championship and Eddie Alvarez agree to part ways, source says|website=South China Morning Post|date=September 21, 2022|access-date=September 21, 2022}}

===Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship===

On March 1, 2023, it was announced by BKFC president Dave Feldman that Alvarez had signed with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. He made his debut against Chad Mendes at BKFC 41 on April 29, 2023, and won by split decision.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/3/1/23619521/luke-rockhold-vs-mike-perry-eddie-alvarez-vs-chad-mendes-set-for-bkfc-41-free-agent-signings|title=Luke Rockhold vs. Mike Perry, Eddie Alvarez vs. Chad Mendes set for BKFC 41 following two free agent signings|website=MMA Fighting|date=March 1, 2023|access-date=March 2, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2023/03/bkfc-41-eddie-alvarez-vs-chad-mendes-booked-denver|title=UFC veterans Eddie Alvarez, Chad Mendes to fight at BKFC 41|website=MMA Junkie|date=March 1, 2023|access-date=March 2, 2023}} This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/live/1NrWre8xc10?si=j3NlNXMZEEXQxx11&t=155|title=BKFC 41 Post Press Conference - Live - David Feldman announces bonuses|date=April 30, 2023|author=BKFC on YouTube|publisher=youtube.com}}

Alvarez faced Mike Perry on December 2, 2023, at BKFC 56 for the symbolic "King of Violence" championship and lost by corner stoppage after the second round.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/10/18/23922035/mike-perry-vs-eddie-alvarez-headlines-bkfc-56-in-salt-lake-city-on-dec-2|title=Mike Perry vs. Eddie Alvarez headlines BKFC 56 in Salt Lake City on Dec. 2|website=mmafighting.com|date=October 18, 2023 }}

Alvarez faced Jeremy Stephens at BKFC Knucklemania 5 on January 25, 2025.{{cite news |last1=Iskenderov |first1=Parviz |title=Eddie Alvarez vs Jeremy Stephens tops BKFC Knucklemania 5 in Philadelphia in Jan |url=https://www.fightmag.com/eddie-alvarez-vs-jeremy-stephens-tops-bkfc-knucklemania-5-in-philadelphia-in-jan/ |work=FIGHTMAG |date=19 November 2024}} He lost the fight by technical knockout via corner stoppage at the end of the third round.{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2025/01/25/bkfc-knucklemania-5-full-results/|title=BKFC KnuckleMania 5 Full Results|publisher=cagesidepress.com|author=Staff|date=2025-01-25|access-date=2025-01-26}}

Alvarez married his high school sweetheart, Jamie, in 2008. They have three sons and a daughter.{{cite web|url=https://theathletic.com/1479030/2019/12/22/after-an-infamous-brawl-the-76ers-called-upon-mmas-underground-king-eddie-alvarez/|title=After an infamous brawl, the 76ers called upon MMA's 'Underground King' Eddie Alvarez|date=December 22, 2019|publisher=theathletic.com|author=Griffin Adams}} Alvarez utilized his financial success to move his family out of Kensington and into Southampton, PA following the birth of his first son.{{cite web |author=Crawford, Ryan |url=http://www.philadelphiaweekly.com/news-and-opinion/cover-story/Punch-Drunk-Love-42618222.html |title=Eddie Alvarez Said Knock You Out |publisher=Philadelphia Weekly |date=April 7, 2009 |access-date=July 16, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090409174037/http://www.philadelphiaweekly.com/news-and-opinion/cover-story/Punch-Drunk-Love-42618222.html |archive-date=April 9, 2009 |url-status=dead }}

Alvarez made two appearances on the television show Bully Beatdown on MTV, where he knocked out both of his opponents.{{cite web|url=http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/entertainment/eddie-alvarez-bashes-up-bully-on-bully-beatdown_100239281.html|title=Eddie Alvarez Bashes Up Bully On "Bully Beatdown"|publisher=Thaindian News|access-date=December 17, 2010|archive-date=July 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711200527/http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/entertainment/eddie-alvarez-bashes-up-bully-on-bully-beatdown_100239281.html|url-status=dead}}

• National Prep School Wrestling Championships
• National Prep All-American (2000, 2001)

• Ultimate Fighting Championship
• UFC Lightweight Championship (One time)
• Performance of the Night (One time)
• Fight of the Night (One time)
• UFC.com Awards
• 2017: Ranked #2 Fight of the Year {{small|vs. Justin Gaethje}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/top-ten-fights-2017|title=The Top Ten Fights of 2017|date=January 5, 2018|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}
• Bellator Fighting Championships
• Bellator Lightweight World Championship (Two times; First)
• One successful title defense
• Bellator Season 1 Lightweight Tournament Winner
• BodogFIGHT
• BodogFIGHT Welterweight Championship (One time; First)
• Mixed Fighting Championships
• MFC Welterweight Championship (One time; First; Last; Only)
• Reality Fighting
• Reality Fighting Welterweight Championship (One time; First)
• FIGHT! Magazine
• 2008 Fight of the Year vs. Joachim Hansen on May 11
• Inside MMA
• 2008 Fight of the Year Bazzie Award vs. Joachim Hansen on May 11
• FightBooth.com
• 2012 King of Violence Award{{cite web|url=http://fightbooth.com/king-of-violence-2012-eddie-alvarez/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713105047/http://fightbooth.com/king-of-violence-2012-eddie-alvarez/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 13, 2015|title=King of Violence 2012: Eddie Alvarez|work=fightbooth|access-date=July 12, 2015|date=December 26, 2012}}
• fightmatrix.com
• Lineal MMA Lightweight Championship (Two times)
• Sherdog
• 2008 Fight of the Year vs. Tatsuya Kawajiri on July 21
• Sports Illustrated
• 2008 Round of the Year vs. Tatsuya Kawajiri on July 21
• Yahoo! Sports
• 2011 Fight of the Year vs. Michael Chandler on November 19
• MMADNA.nl
• 2017 Fight of the Year vs. Justin Gaethje {{Cite web|url=http://mmadna.nl/mma-dna-ufc-awards-2017-de-uitslagen/|title=MMA DNA UFC Awards 2017 : De Uitslagen!!!|last=DNA|first=MMA|date=January 18, 2018|language=en-US|access-date=January 28, 2019}}
• World MMA Awards
• 2015 Comeback of the Year vs. Gilbert Melendez at UFC 188{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2016/2/5/10924620/world-mma-awards-2016-results|title=World MMA Awards 2016 Results|author=Bryan Tucker|date=February 5, 2019|publisher=mmafighting.com}}
• 2017 Fight of the Year vs. Justin Gaethje at UFC 218{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/7/3/17532430/world-mma-awards-2018-results|title=World MMA Awards 2018 Results|author=Bryan Tucker|date=July 4, 2018|publisher=mmafighting.com}}

• Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship
• Fight of the Night (One time) vs. Chad Mendes
• Fight of the Year (2023){{cite instagram|postid=C1-y7ezR5uy|user=bareknucklefc|date=January 13, 2024|title=The 2023 year end award winners}} (vs. Chad Mendes)

{{MMArecordbox

| draws=

| nc= 2

| ko-wins= 17

| ko-losses= 4

| sub-wins= 7

| sub-losses= 2

| dec-wins= 6

| dec-losses= 2

| other-wins=

| other-losses=

}}

{{MMA record start}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|30–8 (2)

|Ok Rae-yoon

|Decision (unanimous)

|ONE on TNT 4

|{{dts|2021|April|28|format=mdy}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Kallang, Singapore

|

|-

| {{nocontest}}NC

|align=center|30–7 (2)

|Iuri Lapicus

|NC (overturned)

|ONE on TNT 1

|{{dts|2021|April|7|format=mdy}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|1:02

|Kallang, Singapore

| {{small|Originally ruled a DQ (punches to the back of head) win for Lapicus; overturned to a no contest after Alvarez appealed the decision.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|30–7 (1)

|Eduard Folayang

|Submission (rear-naked choke)

|ONE: Dawn of Heroes

|{{dts|2019|August|2|format=mdy}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|2:16

|Pasay, Philippines

|{{small|ONE Lightweight Grand-Prix Semifinal round. Later withdrew from tournament due to injury.}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|29–7 (1)

|Timofey Nastyukhin

|TKO (punches)

|ONE: A New Era

|{{dts|2019|March|31|format=mdy}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|4:05

|Tokyo, Japan

|{{small|Return to 170 lbs. ONE Lightweight Grand-Prix Quarterfinal round.}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|29–6 (1)

|Dustin Poirier

|TKO (punches)

|UFC on Fox: Alvarez vs. Poirier 2

|{{dts|2018|July|28|format=mdy}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|4:05

|Calgary, Alberta, Canada

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|29–5 (1)

|Justin Gaethje

|KO (knee)

|UFC 218

|{{dts|2017|December|2|format=mdy}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|3:59

|Detroit, Michigan, United States

|{{small|Fight of the Night.}}

|-

|{{nocontest}}NC

|align=center|{{nowrap|28–5 (1)}}

|Dustin Poirier

|NC (illegal knees)

|UFC 211

|{{dts|2017|May|13|format=mdy}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|4:12

|Dallas, Texas, United States

|{{small|Alvarez landed illegal knees to the head of Poirier who was a downed opponent.}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|28–5

|Conor McGregor

|TKO (punches)

|UFC 205

|{{dts|2016|November|12|format=mdy}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|3:04

|New York City, New York, United States

|{{small|Lost the UFC Lightweight Championship.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|28–4

|Rafael dos Anjos

|TKO (punches)

|UFC Fight Night: dos Anjos vs. Alvarez

|{{dts|2016|July|7|format=mdy}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|3:49

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{small|Won the UFC Lightweight Championship. Performance of the Night.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|27–4

|Anthony Pettis

|Decision (split)

|UFC Fight Night: Dillashaw vs. Cruz

|{{dts|2016|January|17|format=mdy}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Boston, Massachusetts, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|26–4

|Gilbert Melendez

|Decision (split)

|UFC 188

|{{dts|2015|June|13|format=mdy}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Mexico City, Mexico

|{{small|Melendez tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs.}}

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 25–4

| Donald Cerrone

| Decision (unanimous)

| UFC 178

| {{dts|2014|September|27|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 25–3

| Michael Chandler

| Decision (split)

| Bellator 106

| {{dts|2013|November|2|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 5

| align=center| 5:00

| Long Beach, California, United States

| {{small|Won the Bellator Lightweight World Championship. Later vacated title.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 24–3

| Patricky Pitbull

| KO (head kick)

| Bellator 76

| {{dts|2012|October|12|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 4:54

| Windsor, Ontario, Canada

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 23–3

| Shinya Aoki

| TKO (punches)

| Bellator 66

| {{dts|2012|April|20|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 2:14

| Cleveland, Ohio, United States

|

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 22–3

| Michael Chandler

| Submission (rear-naked choke)

| Bellator 58

| {{dts|2011|November|19|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 4

| align=center| 3:06

| Hollywood, Florida, United States

| {{small|Lost the Bellator Lightweight World Championship.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 22–2

| Pat Curran

| Decision (unanimous)

| Bellator 39

| {{dts|2011|April|2|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 5

| align=center| 5:00

| Uncasville, Connecticut, United States

| {{small|Defended the Bellator Lightweight World Championship.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 21–2

| Roger Huerta

| TKO (doctor stoppage)

| Bellator 33

| {{dts|2010|October|21|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 5:00

| Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

| {{small|Non-title bout.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 20–2

| Josh Neer

| Technical Submission (standing rear-naked choke)

| Bellator 17

| {{dts|2010|May|6|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 2:08

| Boston, Massachusetts, United States

| {{small|Catchweight (160 lbs) bout.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 19–2

| Katsunori Kikuno

| Submission (arm-triangle choke)

| Dream 12

| {{dts|2009|October|26|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 3:42

| Osaka, Japan

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 18–2

| Toby Imada

| Submission (rear-naked choke)

| Bellator 12

| {{dts|2009|June|19|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 2:34

| Hollywood, Florida, United States

| {{small|Bellator Season One Lightweight Tournament Final. Won the inaugural Bellator Lightweight World Championship.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 17–2

| Eric Reynolds

| Submission (rear-naked choke)

| Bellator 5

| {{dts|2009|May|1|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 1:30

| Dayton, Ohio, United States

| {{small|Bellator Season One Lightweight Tournament Semifinal.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 16–2

| Greg Loughran

| Submission (guillotine choke)

| Bellator 1

| {{dts|2009|April|3|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 2:44

| Hollywood, Florida, United States

| {{small|Bellator Season One Lightweight Tournament Quarterfinal.}}

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 15–2

| Shinya Aoki

| Submission (heel hook)

| Fields Dynamite!! 2008

| {{dts|2008|December|31|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 1:32

| Saitama, Japan

| {{small|For the WAMMA Lightweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 15–1

| Tatsuya Kawajiri

| TKO (punches)

| Dream 5: Lightweight Grand Prix 2008 Final Round

| {{dts|2008|July|21|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 7:35

| Osaka, Japan

| {{small|Dream Lightweight Grand Prix Semifinal. Didn't compete in final round due to an arm injury.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 14–1

| Joachim Hansen

| Decision (unanimous)

| Dream 3: Lightweight Grand Prix 2008 Second Round

| {{dts|2008|May|11|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 5:00

| Saitama, Japan

| {{small|Dream Lightweight Grand Prix Quarterfinal.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 13–1

| Andre Amade

| TKO (punches)

| Dream 1: Lightweight Grand Prix 2008 First Round

| {{dts|2008|March|15|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 6:47

| Saitama, Japan

| {{small|Dream Lightweight Grand Prix Opening Round.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 12–1

| Ross Ebañez

| KO (punches)

| ShoXC: Elite Challenger Series

| {{dts|2008|January|25|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 2:32

| Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States

| {{small|Catchweight (165 lbs) bout.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 11–1

| Matt Lee

| Decision (unanimous)

| BodogFight: Alvarez vs. Lee

| {{dts|2007|July|14|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Trenton, New Jersey, United States

|

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 10–1

| Nick Thompson

| TKO (punches)

| BodogFight: Clash of the Nations

| {{dts|2007|April|14|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 4:32

| Saint Petersburg, Russia

| {{small|Lost the BodogFIGHT Welterweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 10–0

| Scott Henze

| TKO (corner stoppage)

| BodogFight: Costa Rica Combat

| {{dts|2007|February|16|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 4:13

| Playa Tambor, Costa Rica

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 9–0

| Aaron Riley

| KO (punches)

| BodogFight: USA vs. Russia

| {{dts|2006|December|2|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 1:05

| Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

| {{small|Won the MFC Welterweight Championship; Later promoted to BodogFIGHT Welterweight Champion.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 8–0

| Hidenobu Koike

| TKO (punches)

| MARS 4: New Deal

| {{dts|2006|August|26|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 1:26

| Tokyo, Japan

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 7–0

| Derrick Noble

| KO (punches)

| MFC: Russia vs. USA

| {{dts|2006|June|3|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 1:01

| Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 6–0

| Daisuke Hanazawa

| TKO (punches)

| Euphoria: USA vs. Japan

| {{dts|2005|November|5|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 4:00

| Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 5–0

| Danil Veselov

| TKO (punches)

| Euphoria: USA vs. Russia

| {{dts|2005|May|14|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 2:15

| Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 4–0

| Seichi Ikemoto

| TKO (punches)

| Euphoria: USA vs. The World

| {{dts|2005|February|26|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 4:25

| Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 3–0

| Chris Schlesinger

| Submission (guillotine choke)

| Reality Fighting 7

| {{dts|2004|October|16|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 1:00

| Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States

| {{small|Won the inaugural Reality Fighting Welterweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 2–0

| Adam Fearon

| TKO (submission to punches)

| Ring of Combat 6

| {{dts|2004|April|24|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 2:06

| Elizabeth, New Jersey, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 1–0

| Anthony Ladonna

| KO (punch)

| Ring of Combat 5

| {{dts|2003|December|14|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 3:57

| Elizabeth, New Jersey, United States

|

{{end}}

{{Cite web|last=Sherdog.com|title=Eddie Alvarez|url=https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Eddie-Alvarez-9265|access-date=April 13, 2022|website=Sherdog}}

{{MMArecordbox

|ko-wins=

|ko-losses=2

|sub-wins=

|sub-losses=

|dec-wins=1

|dec-losses=

}}

{{MMA record start}}

|-

|{{No2}}Loss

|align=center|1–2

|Jeremy Stephens

|TKO (corner stoppage)

| BKFC Knucklemania V

|{{dts|2025|January|25}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|2:00

| Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

|

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|1–1

|Mike Perry

|TKO (corner stoppage)

|BKFC 56

|{{dts|2023|December|2|format=mdy}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|2:00

|Salt Lake City, Utah, United States

|{{small|Middleweight debut 175 lbs. For the symbolic King of Violence championship.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|1–0

|Chad Mendes

|Decision (split)

|BKFC 41

|{{dts|2023|April|29|format=mdy}}

|align=center|5

|align=center|2:00

|Broomfield, Colorado, United States

|{{small|Welterweight debut 165 lbs. Fight of the Night. Fight of the Year.}}

|-

{{end}}

• List of Bellator MMA alumni
• List of male mixed martial artists

{{notelist}}

{{reflist}}

{{cc}}

• {{UFC|eddie-alvarez}}
• {{Sherdog|9265}}

{{s-start}}

{{s-ach}}

{{S-bef|before=Rafael dos Anjos}}

{{S-ttl|title=8th UFC Lightweight Champion|years=July 7 – November 13, 2016}}

{{s-aft|after=Conor McGregor}}

{{end}}

{{UFC Lightweight Championship}}

{{Bellator Lightweight Championship}}

{{Portal bar|Biography|Martial arts|Pennsylvania|Philadelphia|United States}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Alvarez, Eddie}}

Category:1984 births

Category:Living people

Category:American people of Irish descent

Category:American sportspeople of Puerto Rican descent

Category:American male mixed martial artists

Category:Mixed martial artists from Pennsylvania

Category:Lightweight mixed martial artists

Category:Welterweight mixed martial artists

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing boxing

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing catch wrestling

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Category:Bellator MMA champions

Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship champions

Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship male fighters

Category:American practitioners of Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Category:People awarded a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Category:ONE Championship mixed martial artists