The featherweight star commented that both would gain a big step up should this matchup get the green light as Nguyen also loves the idea of squaring up against a well-known athlete. Most of all, this battle would be a fun spectacle for the fans, he said.

“I think it would be spectacular, with his experience, his caliber. I’d be more than honored to welcome him to the featherweight division,” Nguyen said. “I’m sure if he gets past me, then he’ll obviously be a top five, top three contender for that title shot.”

“The Underground King” joined ONE in 2019 with ambitions of earning his third world title and becoming the most decorated MMA fighter ever. But, despite his hunger and experience fighting for the best MMA has to offer, he had to put his title unification goals on hold for a time when he suffered a surprise knockout loss to Timofey Nastyukhin in his debut.

Although managing to bounce back after defeating a former lightweight champion, Eduard Folayang, he suffered a unanimous decision loss to current lightweight king, Ok Rae Yoon. Despite this, Nguyen believes that the veteran still has it in him to give his best performance in the Circle and reach the top.

“Eddie Alvarez is [one of] the most experienced athletes in ONE Championship at the moment. In terms of MMA, I still think he got a few more fights underneath his belt, at least a minimum of three to four fights,” Nguyen said.

“He doesn’t really have anything to prove. He’s achieved it all. So you don’t count out the old guy out until he’s completely out. I feel that I’m the person he should be fighting. I’m always ready to put my name and sign the contract. We’ll see what happens.”

Read also: Reinier de Ridder to face Vitaly Bigdash in main event of ONE 159

With the announcement of the multi-year contract ONE Championship has with Amazon Prime, Nguyen sees this as the perfect platform for his match against Alvarez. Getting his match against an MMA icon would send a statement to the world.

“I think it’s almost like the stars aligned. If Eddie Alvarez comes down to featherweight, why not? You know that’s perfect. He’s got all the backing behind him, the American fans. Let’s just make it happen, and I’m sure a lot of people will be tuning in,” said Nguyen. “I’m definitely excited about that idea. It would give me a chance to just make a statement.”

Watch ONE 159 on July 22 in ONE Super App and subscribe to ONE Championship on YouTube!

This article is published in collaboration with ONE Championship.

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