Eddie Alvarez brushes off Nurmagomedov's callout, 'willing to wait' for title shot

Eddie Alvarez’s sights are set on a UFC lightweight title fight, and he doesn’t think he should have to go through any more contenders to get the opportunity.

After defeating former UFC and WEC champ Anthony Pettis (18-4 MMA, 5-3 UFC) by narrow split decision on Sunday at UFC Fight Night 81, Alvarez (27-4 MMA, 2-1 UFC) made it clear he wants the winner of March’s UFC 197 title bout between champ Rafael dos Anjos (25-7 MMA, 14-5 UFC) and challenger Conor McGregor (19-2 MMA, 7-0 UFC).

Several others are gunning for that No. 1 contender’s spot, though, and among them is undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov (22-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC), who actually holds a dominant victory over the champion. “The Eagle” would have likely already received a title fight if not for a string of injuries that have kept him on the sidelines for close to two years.

Nurmagomedov is on the comeback trail, though, and has targeted a big fight for his return later this year. According to a report on UFC Fight Night 81’s post-fight show on FOX Sports 1, Nurmagomedov texted UFC President Dana White moments after Alvarez’s victory over Pettis and demanded a June matchup with him.

White’s interest in the proposition is unknown, but Alvarez doesn’t seem particularly excited. When asked directly about a potential fight against Nurmagomedov on the post-fight show, Alvarez, the former Bellator titleholder, said his primary goal is to add the UFC belt to his collection.

“(The lightweight belt) is being defended in March, and I’m definitely willing to wait,” Alvarez said. “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 argument for a title shot is hard to tear down. The victory over Pettis wasn’t the most thrilling affair, but Alvarez managed to neutralize the greatest strengths of “Showtime” and execute a sound strategy. He earned a similar victory over Gilbert Melendez at UFC 188 in June, giving him wins over former UFC, WEC and Strikeforce champions within two fights.

Although Nurmagomedov, along with the likes of Tony Ferguson, have their own case for an opportunity to challenge for the belt, Alvarez said his strength of opposition is the primary factor in his favor.

Moreover, Alvarez said he has the best skillset of the bunch to dethrone dos Anjos, who’s lately been nothing but fearsome. A McGregor victory at UFC 197 would be a massive shakeup to the lightweight title picture, but assuming the belt stays put, Alvarez said he likes his chances.

“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,” he said. “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.”

For more on UFC Fight Night 81, stay tuned to the UFC Events section of the site.