Former UFC lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez has hit back at UFC middleweight Sean Strickland after Strickland criticized BKFC as a promotion.
UFC superstar, Conor McGregor, recently became part-owner of bare-knuckle boxing promotion, BKFC, which elicited a rant from outspoken UFC middleweight, Sean Strickland.
Ahead of his fight against Paulo Costa this past Saturday at UFC 302, Strickland stated that at media day, that he never wants to become one of ‘those ass*****’ that transitions to bare-knuckle boxing, claiming that BKFC pays their fighters ‘like s***’.
Eddie Alvarez slams Sean Strickland after BKFC criticism
Former UFC lightweight champion, Eddie Alvarez, made the transition to BKFC early last year after an unsuccessful stint with ONE Championship.
‘The Underground King’ made his BKFC debut against Chad Mendes last April, taking home the split decision win. Just over eight months later, the 40-year-old was stopped in round two by BKFC king, Mike Perry.
Responding to Strickland’s criticism of the promotion, Alvarez has claimed that he earns more than the former middleweight champion, whilst fighting under the BKFC banner.
“That’s ironic for a guy who has literally fought for the UFC for your entire life, for nothing. You got your first big little paycheck and you’re going to talk s*** on a promotion that is just starting,” Alvarez told Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour.
“I thought it was cute of him to say something about payment. He probably does well in the UFC, but like, I make more than Sean Strickland, I fight bare-knuckle. Hey motherf*****, they pay, they pay more than you’re getting paid,” Alvarez added.
Prior to his fight against Costa, Strickland complained about his pay on social media, stating that fighter pay is ‘cut-throat’.
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Eddie Alvarez looking for a big fight in November
Despite picking up the win at UFC 302, Strickland’s performance was once again criticized as fans in attendance booed during moments in the fight.
“The whole thing sucked, the fight sucked, the crowd sucked, it kind of sucked that that was the co-main event,” Alvarez explained.
‘The Underground King’ is currently sitting on the sidelines waiting for his next outing to be booked as he looks for a potential opponent.
“I just know myself, and if anybody is interested in a big fight, let’s fight in November. So if you’re out there and you’re listening I want to fight you, whoever you are, if it’s a big fight and fans are interested in it, I want to do it.” Alvarez finished.
Although the 40-year-old’s last two fights have been with BKFC, he revealed that he is not tied to a contract and has the freedom to fight elsewhere.
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