Eddie Alvarez shuts down talk of Poirier and Diaz fights, demands new UFC contract

Earlier this week, reports surfaced that the UFC’s July 28 return to Calgary, Alberta, Canada could be topped by a rematch between surging lightweight contender Dustin Poirier and Eddie Alvarez. These reports were particularly timely given the trouble the UFC seems to be having ironing out the details of the women’s flyweight title fight between Nicco Montano and Valentina Shevchenko that was originally expected headline the card. 

Apparently, however, reports of the UFC’s plan for a Calgary rematch between Alvarez and Poirier were a little premature. Alvarez, as it turns out, is not interested in this bout unless the UFC offers him a new and improved contract first, as he only has one obligation left on his current contract. This, per Ariel Helwani.

Spoke to @Ealvarezfight today. Asked him about the possibility of fighting Dustin Poirier in Calgary on 7/28. “It’s not f*cking happening,” he said. “I’m not fighting until I get a new deal.” Alvarez currently has one fight left on his deal. Also …

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) May 2, 2018

Interestingly, Alvarez also told Helwani that he’s heard nothing about a potential fight with Nate Diaz, who could be returning to the Octagon at UFC 227 this August 4 in Los Angeles.

Asked him if he’s been approached about fighting Nate Diaz on 8/4. He said he has not been offered Diaz for 227. He has long wanted to fight Diaz but reiterated he wants a new deal first. “UFC needs to stop playing games,” he added. “They know what I mean.”

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) May 2, 2018

Needless to say, it doesn’t sound like Alvarez has any intention of returning to the cage until he and the UFC can work out the details of a new contract.

Alvarez last fought in December, when he knocked out the then-undefeated Justin Gaethje in a 2017 Fight of the Year contender. His next most recent bout was his first with Poirier. Unfortunately, this bout ended with a disappointing no-contest, after Alvarez landed an inadvertent illegal blow, and Poirier could not continue fighting. In his next most recent fight, Alvarez was knocked out by Conor McGregor, which marked the end of his UFC lightweight title reign. This loss was preceded by a first-round drubbing of Rafael dos Anjos, which earned him the lightweight belt. At present, Eddie Alvarez is 29-5 (1) overall.

Who do you want to see Eddie Alvarez fight in his return to the cage?

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 5/2/2018.