The Underground King on Pain, Recovery, and Cannabis
Eddie Alvarez, known across the combat sports world as “The Underground King,” has built one of the most respected careers in mixed martial arts. A Philadelphia native, Alvarez rose from regional promotions to the global stage, earning championship belts in multiple organizations and cementing his reputation as a scrappy, relentless competitor. Beyond his fighting legacy, Alvarez has also spoken candidly about cannabis—a subject that has become increasingly relevant in the world of MMA and athlete wellness.
A Career of Grit and Glory
Alvarez began fighting professionally in the early 2000s, competing in regional circuits before breaking through internationally with Japan’s Dream and Bellator MMA. His ferocious fighting style—marked by pressure striking, slick boxing, and a refusal to quit—made him a fan favorite. He became the first Bellator lightweight champion and later captured the UFC lightweight title in 2016 by defeating Rafael dos Anjos. With that win, Alvarez joined the elite group of fighters who have held major titles in multiple promotions.
Following his UFC tenure, Alvarez signed with ONE Championship, continuing to test himself against top-tier talent around the world. His nickname, “The Underground King,” reflects his long climb through tough fights, smaller promotions, and relentless training to eventually earn recognition at the sport’s highest levels.
Alvarez on Cannabis and Athlete Wellness
Like many fighters, Alvarez has witnessed firsthand the toll that constant training, injuries, and weight cutting take on the body. Over the years, cannabis has become a topic of conversation within the MMA community, especially as governing bodies and promotions have softened their stance on testing. Alvarez has expressed support for cannabis as an alternative to opioids and other pharmaceuticals, emphasizing its role in pain management, recovery, and mental health.
In interviews, he has highlighted how athletes need safe, natural solutions for healing—especially in a sport where damage is inevitable. Alvarez, who has seen teammates and peers deal with surgeries, concussions, and long-term pain, has pointed out that cannabis provides relief without the destructive side effects tied to prescription painkillers. His perspective resonates with a growing movement of fighters advocating for cannabis normalization in combat sports.
Shifting Culture in MMA
Alvarez’s stance mirrors the larger cultural shift happening across MMA. Once viewed as taboo, cannabis is now recognized by many fighters and trainers as a legitimate recovery tool. The UFC, which once suspended athletes for cannabis use, changed its testing policies in recent years, removing THC from its list of punishable substances. Fighters like Nate Diaz, Nick Diaz, and Sean O’Malley have openly championed cannabis use, and Alvarez’s support adds to that chorus of voices seeking reform and acceptance.
A Fighter Beyond the Cage
Eddie Alvarez’s impact goes beyond his fights. His advocacy reflects an athlete willing to challenge outdated stigmas, while staying true to his reputation as a gritty, no-nonsense competitor. For Alvarez, cannabis is not about indulgence but about balance, wellness, and ensuring fighters have options to care for their bodies and minds.
As the conversation around cannabis in MMA continues to evolve, Alvarez’s voice stands as part of a new wave of fighters pushing for acceptance and recognition of its benefits. Just as he fought his way through the underground to the championship spotlight, Alvarez now lends his voice to a cause that may redefine athlete recovery for the next generation.