Eddie Alvarez (photo via UFC)

By FCF Staff

Following the news that Eddie Alvarez has signed with ONE Championship, the decorated fighter is reporting that the UFC “did their best” to retain his services.

The 34 year-old fighter became a free agent, following his loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC on FOX 30 this past July. During a recent media call to discuss his new deal with ONE, Alvarez had this to say about negotiations with the UFC (quotes via MMA Junkie):

“I believe the offer from ONE was too good to turn down,” Alvarez said. “The UFC did their best. Considering what the average pay of an athlete is, I believe the UFC did a great job. They did their best to keep me, but they have a business model. They pay a certain amount to certain fighters for different reasons. Everybody is a different case. It is what it is. There’s no harm, no foul.

“But it’s a business first with these promotions, and ONE looked out for me, looked out for my family. They understood my wants and my needs, and I think it’s important at this point to return the favor.”

Alvarez also reportedly said that he one of the factors that led to him signing with ONE, is his desire to win titles in ONE, Bellator and the UFC.