EDDIE ALVAREZ revealed he listened to old rival Conor McGregor’s advice during his bare-knuckle fight with Chad Mendes.
McGregor was a shock guest at Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship’s event in Denver, which featured two of his ex-opponents.
And it was Alvarez, 39, who emerged with a split-decision win over Mendes, 37, following a series of knockdowns from both.
At one point in the bout, the former UFC lightweight champion listened to the call of McGregor, who cried out for an uppercut.
And after landing the shot, Alvarez pointed at the Irishman in acknowledgement.
He later said on The MMA Hour: “He was yelling for uppercut, and I was kind of recognising that Chad was hitching, he was doing a little hitch before he came under, and Conor picked it up and then he was mentioning it as soon as he was against the [ropes].
“As soon as he yelled uppercut, I was like, ‘I see it,’ and then I landed it and I was like, ‘Good call.’
“It was a good moment. He recognised it, I recognised it, and I think that was that.”
McGregor, 34, knocked out Alvarez in 2016 to win the lightweight belt in 2016, his last title fight victory.
One year earlier, he recorded the same second-round stoppage against Mendes for the interim featherweight strap.
So when he rocked up in support of the pair, McGregor’s loyalty was split.
Alvarez said: “Someone said he was yelling s*** for Chad too.
“I don’t think he had a horse in the race, I think he just wanted to see a good fight and he was just recognising some things that were going wrong and he was trying to coach guys.
“For him, he’s a winner already. He beat both of us. He shows up with his f*****g whiskey, rich and doing nice s***, and good, I wish the best for everyone in this sport.
“It’s a very difficult life, it’s very difficult to make money, and when he’s done what he’s done for himself and for the sport and for his family, I’m all for it.
“I have no animosity to any of my opponents. We’re all in this crazy, uncertain life journey. It’s difficult, and if you can do what he did, I’m all for you.”
