BOSTON — Eddie Alvarez provided the most stunning upset of the UFC Fight Night Boston card Sunday with a split-decision win over Anthony Pettis in the co-main event.
Pettis entered the fight at TD Garden as the No. 1-ranked challenger to the UFC lightweight title, which he lost last year after being defeated by current champion Rafael dos Anjos. That made Pettis the overwhelming favorite, with many experts predicting a first-round knockout for the former champion.
Alvarez (27-4) was having none of that, though. He stuck close to Pettis (18-4), often pinning him against the cage and then going in for the takedown. Alvarez also struck with a few effective kicks and did damage to Pettis’ face after taking him down in Round 2.
Pettis was stunned by the defeat, saying: “I’m pissed. I don’t know what to say right now.”
Here are the official fight stats, via UFC.com.
Alvarez said he wanted a shot at the title in his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan inside the octagon.
“I beat Gilbert Melendez, and he got two shots at the title,” Alvarez said. “I beat Pettis, and he used to have the title and was the No. 1 guy, I fought Cowboy and he got a title shot. I want it. I want the best guys the promotion has to offer, put them in front of me, and I’ll beat them. I want my shot.”
He’s certainly worthy of consideration after this victory.
Thumbnail photo via Stephen R. Sylvanie/USA TODAY Sports Images
