Eddie Alvarez has signed with ONE Championship, but the lightweight star’s reporting that the UFC did table a solid offer, in an effort to resign the former champ.
Recently the Asian based promotion confirmed that is has signed Alvarez to a multi-fight deal, following the conclusion of his UFC contract this past summer. During a conference call on Wednesday, Alvarez reported that the UFC “did their best” in attempting to resign him, and that further (quote via MMA Fighting):
“The offer from ONE was too good to turn down,” said Alvarez. “Considering what the average pay of an athlete is at the UFC, I believe the UFC did a great job. But, they have a business model. They pay a certain amount for certain fighters for certain reasons. It is what it is. There’s no harm, no foul. It’s a business first with these promotions. ONE looked out for me, looked out for my family and understands my wants and my needs and I think it’s important to return the favor.”
Alvarez, who was stopped by Dustin Poirier in his final UFC fight, is expected to make his ONE Championship debut in early, 2019.