Eddie Alvarez won his first world title by tapping out submission artist in four-man tournament

Eddie Alvarez boasts a distinguished career in combat sports.

A former UFC Lightweight Champion and two-time Bellator Champion, Philadelphia native Eddie Alvarez is unique, alongside Cris Cyborg, in holding championship belts in both major promotions.

Long before his 2016 victory over Rafael Dos Anjos for the UFC title, Alvarez had already established himself as one of Bellator`s greatest fighters.

‘The Underground King’ compiled an impressive 9-1 record in Bellator MMA, his only defeat coming against rival Michael Chandler, a loss he later avenged.

Sixteen years ago, a 25-year-old Alvarez secured his first world championship.

Eddie Alvarez Submitted Submission Specialist Toby Imada to Win Bellator`s First Lightweight Tournament

In 2009, Bellator MMA held its inaugural lightweight tournament featuring four competitors: Jorge Masvidal, Eddie Alvarez, Toby Imada, and Eric Reynolds.

Alvarez advanced to the final by submitting Reynolds, while Toby Imada famously put future BMF Champion Masvidal to sleep with an inverted triangle choke, a moment widely regarded as one of MMA`s greatest submissions.

Imada`s professional record includes 20 submission victories.

Expected to be a striker-versus-grappler contest, Alvarez demonstrated dominance across all areas against Imada at Bellator 12.

In the second round of their title bout, Alvarez dropped Imada with a clean overhand right.

Following up with ground and pound from full mount, Alvarez expertly secured Imada`s back in a scramble and applied a rear-naked choke, targeting the neck of the renowned submission artist.

Within moments, Imada was forced to tap, and Alvarez was crowned the first Bellator Lightweight Champion.

BKFC Plans Its Own Four-Man Lightweight Tournament

The 41-year-old Alvarez is currently signed with the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, where he has faced notable opponents like Mike Perry, Chad Mendes, and Jeremy Stephens.

BKFC President David Feldman recently confirmed the promotion`s plan for a four-man tournament to crown a new Lightweight Champion, following the stripping of the title from Franco Tenaglia.

This weekend`s BKFC main event features Tony Soto and Ben Bonner competing not only for a spot in the tournament but also for the interim lightweight championship at BKFC Texas on Saturday.

The remaining participants for the BKFC lightweight tournament have yet to be announced.