Eddie Alvarez says he wants to make himself “indispensable” before negotiating with the UFC

Bellator lightweight champion, Eddie Alvarez has made clear his long term career intentions on the eve of his return to the cage this weekend, explaining he plans on making a name for himself at 155 pounds, taking on all comers, before negotiating with the UFC.
Speaking via MMAFighting.com, Alvarez said:

“I want to be someone so I have some sort of leverage. I don’t want to be the next disposable 155-pounder who can be thrown out the window if he has a loss or two. I want to make myself indispensable and make a name for myself before I ever negotiate with a company like [the UFC].”

“”I can’t tell my three kids, ‘Hey, daddy’s going to take a shot and take a risk and take a paycut and hopefully I make it. It’s got to be more than that for me. I got to secure myself and secure my family. I’m going to do the right thing to become No. 1. That’s one of my main concern, but it’s also to protect my financial security with my family too.”

Alvarez then spoke about putting his title on the line this Saturday night at Bellator 39 when he goes head-to-head with season two tournament winner, Pat Curran.

“If I don’t come focused, I could very well lose. Any given night, anybody can win, but I have to be on my game and be focused and do what I know how to do and put him away. I pretended that [Curran] was No. 1 in the world. I’m going to perform the way I always perform no matter who I’m going up against.”

Alvarez won the promotions first lightweight season, defeating surprise prospect, Toby Imada in the final. Despite being fairly active in the past year he is yet to defend his 155 pound title. As for Curran, he won the season two tournament, defeating Mike Ricci, Huerta and Toby Imada to earn his shot. He enters this one a major underdog despite being on a good run of form.