One Championship: absent Eddie Alvarez still one of the best in the world, says Chatri

There was a notable absence on stage for the One: Century pre-event press conference at the Grand Hyatt hotel in Tokyo.

Former UFC legend and champion Eddie Alvarez should have been sitting up there, preparing to take on “Dagi” Arslanaliev in the final of One Championship’s lightweight grand prix.

But injury struck and “The Underground King” was replaced by One lightweight champion Christian Lee for Sunday morning’s bout.

Asked where Alvarez fits back into the picture in the division, One CEO Chatri Sityodtong was slightly taken aback.

“I haven’t thought that far, I’ve been so focused on One: Century,” Chatri said, laughing. “I love Eddie, he showed why he’s a world champion, getting dominated by Eduard Folayang on the feet [in Manila].