Picking up a first-round submission of “Irish” Joe Duffy at UFC Fight Island 2 was Spain’s Joel Alvarez. The 27-year old has now won two straight, after dropping his promotional debut in February 2019.
The Duffy fight, however, was clearly the biggest to date for “El Fenomeno.” The Irish fighter was once a hot prospect at lightweight, thanks to a 10-0 run to start his career and wins over Norman Parke and Conor McGregor.
Alvarez (17-2) chalks his success Saturday in Abu Dhabi up to a smart game plan.
“The game plan has been done really well. We worked hard on the low kicks, and when he tried his wrestling, I tried the guillotine — and now it’s done,” he told Cageside Press following the fight, in a virtual media scrum.
The plan now is to continue forward. “I’m really happy to represent my country. I’m going to keep representing my country in the best company in the world for fighting.” Certainly with Alvarez, Spain is well-represented in the octagon.
He doesn’t have a name in mind for whenever he fights next, however. “Whatever fight the company gives me,” said Alvarez. With the UFC departing Fight Island next week, it’s likely to be at least a few more months before Joel Alvarez is back in action.
Ireland’s Duffy officially retired following the bout.
