Chad Mendes vs Eddie Alvarez was one of the most-anticipated fights that never happened in the UFC. However, thanks to BKFC, fans finally got to see the contest and it was worth the wait. Eddie Alvarez, The Underground King, was an extremely slick striker during his prime. On the other hand, Mendes was always known for his power. So who got the job done? Let’s find out.
BKFC fights have 2-minute rounds and it provided Chad Mendes the opportunity to be much more aggressive. Mendes pushed the pace early in the round and clipped the former UFC lightweight champ several times in round 1. While Eddie did try to soldier on, Mendes was just a bit too fast for Eddie. At the beginning of round 2, Mendes cleverly stayed low and landed a vicious blow and knocked Alvarez down.
Chad Mendes vs. Eddie Alvarez is an instant classic! pic.twitter.com/6rlhUPsA8u
— Bare Knuckle FC (@bareknucklefc) April 30, 2023
Eddie got up pretty much immediately and remained on his feet pretty much for the rest of the round. Eddie then returned the favor right at the beginning of round 3 as he secured a flash knockdown as well! As the bout went on, Eddie found his groove and gave Mendes a lot of trouble as well. The 39-year-old maintained his distance and made it hard for Mendes to close the gap.
With Conor McGregor in attendance, both of his former opponents kept up the pace in round 4 as well. Without any kind of gloves, Mendes’ punches were just more effective. By the end of the round, Eddie looked exhausted and started to back up. In the last round, Alvarez surprisingly attempted to walk Mendes down. However, at 165 lbs, Mendes’ punches had a lot of pop behind them and they busted up Alvarez.
Eddie Alvarez pours on the pressure, knocking down Chad Mendes at the end of the 5th round. How do you see them scoring it?#BKFC41 | LIVE on #FITE pic.twitter.com/0OLlGDBtR0
— FITE (@FiteTV) April 30, 2023
However, against all odds, Eddie managed to knockdown Mendes with 10 seconds to go in the 5 round. However, Mendes then came back and secured another knockdown of his own as well! It was an insane end to a contest that many would consider a dream fight! Two judges scored the fight for Eddie Alvarez 47-46, and one scored it for the former UFC featherweight title contender 47-46.
After the split decision win, Eddie even hinted at retirement. But Mendes went one step forward and announced his official retirement.
Fans react to the instant classic between Eddie Alvarez and Chad Mendes
Neither Chad Mendes nor Eddie Alvarez are in their respective primes. However, that did not stop the two veterans from leaving all they had in the ring one more time and give the fans a fight to remember with both fighters getting two knockdowns each. So what are the fans saying after the contest? It seems like the verdict of the bout has not gone down well with the fans.
Here are some fan reactions on the matter
Throughout Chad Mendes career all he has ever lost too was champions.
Not a bad career at all, enjoy life now Brotha.
— Rumble 🚩 (@Rjgot9lives) April 30, 2023
It was a pleasure watching you all these years, hats off and enjoy retirement @chadmendes #BKFC41
— Mike “Tarec” Ironheart 💛 (@MikeyIronheart) April 30, 2023
If most of the BKFC fights were like Chad Mendes VS Eddie Alvarez then the sport could blow up.#BKFC41 #PerryvsRockhold
— Connor (@CapitalCowboys) April 30, 2023
It’s badass to see another guy with psoriasis succeed at such a high level in athletics. Psoriasis can be so draining, Chad Mendes succeeded regardless.
Thank you @chadmendes for a badass career #bkfc41
— ZACH (@zjpMMA) April 30, 2023
chad mendes hanging up the gloves.
gave us banger after banger. 💐#BKFC41 pic.twitter.com/qlhI7rM0Ke
— 𝖎𝖘𝖆𝖆𝖈 𝖈𝖔𝖝 🔆 (@code___switch) April 30, 2023
cant believe he got the decision, felt like it was easily Chad Mendes lol. i screamed WHAT when he got his arm raised, how the hell did he get that decision lol
— JasonReynoldz (@JasonReynoldz) April 30, 2023
So what did you think of the fight? Let us know in the comments down below.