Eddie Alvarez, the former UFC lightweight champion, was part of a historic moment at UFC 205 in 2016 when he faced Conor McGregor at Madison Square Garden.
The fight marked McGregor’s rise to fame as the first fighter to hold two UFC titles simultaneously, but it also became a defining moment in Alvarez’s career – for all the wrong reasons. Alvarez’s performance, which saw him lose in just under two rounds, left many fans wondering what could have been if the fight had gone differently.
In a recent podcast with Michael Bisping, Alvarez opened up about the pressures he faced leading up to the McGregor fight, admitting that it wasn’t just the fight itself but the whirlwind of changes in his life that took a toll on him. As the newly crowned UFC lightweight champion, Alvarez found himself overwhelmed by the fame and media obligations that came with the title.
“It wasn’t so much the fight with Conor that was overwhelming,” Alvarez explained on Michael Bisping’s podcast.
“It was my change of lifestyle being UFC champion. The whole whirlwind of media obligations I never wanted…I wanted the money and the belt.”
Alvarez revealed that the constant media attention and public obligations affected his focus and preparation for the fight. He acknowledged that if he could go back, he would have taken more time to adjust to his new lifestyle before defending his title.
Struggling with media obligations
Unlike McGregor, who thrived in the spotlight and expertly handled the media, Alvarez found the experience difficult. He admitted that he didn’t understand the world of media obligations and promotional events, something McGregor was well-trained to handle.
Alvarez’s discomfort with this side of fame only added more stress during an already intense time, affecting his ability to focus on his training and strategy for the fight.
“I never understood that world of media, of obligations…Conor was excellent at that,” Alvarez said.
“How you’re defined by a large audience is how you’re remembered, and that’s tough to digest.”
Though Alvarez has forgiven himself for the loss, it continues to be a painful reminder of a missed opportunity.
“In my competitive career, it’s very difficult,” he said, reflecting on how he’s defined by that one fight despite knowing it didn’t reflect his true abilities.
His regret is clear – a win over McGregor that night could have propelled him to superstardom and solidified his place as one of the sport’s top stars.