MMA Rumors: Eddie Alvarez Reveals Reason For ONE Debut Loss In Japan

ONE Championship new acquisition, Eddie Alvarez, was a big favorite to win over his opponent in Japan last weekend. Unfortunately, it turned out to be an upset when underdog Timofey Nastyukhin came out with a win with just under 55 seconds left in the opening round at ONE: A New Era held at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo.

People and the media were anxiously awaiting for Alvarez at the press room after his loss. Unfortunately, he did not appear and organizers said he had to be rushed to the hospital. Only Nastyukhin obliged to select media. The Underground King's absence sent out mixed thoughts -- some even insinuating that he was too ashamed to meet media because of the stunning loss that shocked most people in attendance and the ones viewing it on television.

Several days after, Alvarez has finally spoken about the loss via his Instagram. He congratulated Nastyukhin for the victory and revealed how the Russian's punch felt like his eye exploded from inside.

He also added that hesitancy was the reason behind the loss. Alvarez admits he has been trying to figure out why he has been having trouble pulling the trigger and this has been the reason behind his string of losses.

“Coach Mark (Henry) always stresses ‘hesitancy is death,’ and it’s not something that is even in my character to do. In this particular fight, I waited too long for an opening and paid the ultimate price.”

Moving forward, Alvarez vows to get over the hump and do the necessary adjustments. It was his first first-round stoppage since 2008 and his second consecutive MMA loss. When he was still with the UFC, Alvarez suffered a TKO against Dustin Poirier at UFC on Fox: Alvarez vs. Poirier in July of 2018.

As for Nastyukhin, the win means he will go on to fight in the semifinal round. He will be facing Lowen Tynanes next although there is still no official word on when this will take place.

ONE Championship has yet to reveal what lies ahead for Alvarez. Together with Demetrious Johnson, there were big expectations for the two UFC stars with both initially expected to breeze through their opponents. Unfortunately, it was only Mighty Mouse who came through.