Eddie Alvarez issues statement on Poirier loss, discusses coaching and officiating drama

Last week, former UFC and Bellator lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez came up short in a high-stakes rematch with Dustin Poirier, succumbing to a storm of second-round strikes.

In the immediate fallout of this tough loss, Alvarez was quiet. On Wednesday afternoon, however, the former champion and lightweight great broke his silence with a deep and meditative statement.

See this statement, which also addressed Marc Goddard’s controversial officiating and Mark Henry’s coaching blunder, below.

“There are no grey areas in Fighting , one man will lose and the other will win , this is why I love this game . Controversial calls , judging , and fan support can always add to the drama but in the end 1 will stand and 1 will fall . Hats off to Dustin and his team he stayed calm under pressure and fought beautifully this makes us 1-1 . In no way will I judge Godard harshly , We have the same Job ! he has to make decisions in split seconds just like I do , and he makes them with my health and my opponents in mind . What’s done is done . As for Mark Henry calling for an elbow in the heat of the moment . An angled elbow is an incredible shot from the position I was in , it’s actually the only shot you can throw . We simply had a miscommunication, it happens in war more often than not , this was a case of “friendly fire” and we ended up on the losing end of this battle . But let’s remember Ricardo and Mark are also responsible for my UFC world title , and wins over some of the greatest fighters in the UFC , He’s the hardest worker on our team , obsessive, detailed , and pushes us all to understand the opportunity we have in front of is on a world stage . He’s my coach , friend , and Been a mentor of mine for longer than most of you know . Losing is never satisfying , I don’t lose often but when I do I grow the most as a person/fighter . Adjustments will be made , if anything this loss will add to the joy of my next Victory ! I want to thank my team , coaches , my family , and everyone who supports me in this journey . My family especially, the sacrifice falls on the back of my wife and our children . We experience great Joy in our victories and incredible Pain in our losses but our only other option is to avoid the experience and feel nothing at all . We are grateful to be able to fight every time the walk is made to the octagon , and anxiously awaiting the the opportunity to make that walk again . Thank you @ufc . I was brought here , not to win , but to entertain…. Are you not entertained ???? T.H.N.Q” – Eddie Alvarez on Instagram

Eddie Alvarez’s loss to Dustin Poirier marked the final obligation on his current UFC contract. If the promotion doesn’t offer him a new deal, he could soon become a free agent.

What do you think the future holds for Eddie Alvarez?

This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 8/1/2018.