In the co-main event of this weekend’s UFC Fight Night, former UFC lightweight champion Anthony “Showtime” Pettis (18-3 MMA, 5-2 UFC) faces off against the former Bellator champion Eddie Alvarez (26-4 MMA, 1-1 UFC). This 3-rounder acts as the co-main event and the warm-up to the much-anticipated bantamweight title fight between Dominick Cruz and TJ Dillashaw. The official UFC rankings have Eddie Alvarez at #4 and Anthony Pettis at #1.
If this fight had have happened a few years ago it would have been deemed a super-fight, both Alvarez and Pettis are supremely talented and this fight has all the makings of an absolute classic. The main card for UFC Fight Night: Dillashaw vs. Cruz airs on Fox Sports 1 on Sunday, January 17th at 10 PM ET/7 PM PT.
How do these two stack up?
Alvarez: 31 years old | 5’9″ | 69″ reach
Pettis: 28 years old | 5’9.5″ | 72″ reach
What have these two done recently?
Alvarez: W – Gilbert Melendez(SD) | L – Donald Cerrone (UD) | W – Michael Chandler(SD)
Anthony Pettis: L – Rafael dos Anjos (UD) | W – Gilbert Melendez (SUB) | W – Benson Henderson (SUB)
How did these get here?
Eddie Alvarez has long been a staple of the lightweight rankings. While Anthony Pettis was drawing acclaim from the masses in the WEC an the UFC, Alvarez was honing his skills inside of Bellator’s cage. During his time at Bellator, Alvarez emerged as a fan-favourite, known best for his title reign and his epic trilogy with Michael Chandler. Since signing for the UFC, Alvarez has dropped a decision to Donald Cerrone and won a close fight against Gilbert Melendez.
In his last time out, Anthony Pettis had his 5-fight winning streak snapped and his title taken away by Rafael dos Anjos. While Pettis was lackluster in his last outing, prior to that he was on a tear and looked spectacular in performances against Gilbert Melendez, Benson Henderson and Donald Cerrone. The road to redemption begins for Pettis on Sunday night, and Alvarez should prove to be a game opponent.
Why should you care?
This one has all the makings of a classic. If this fight stays on the feet, expect fireworks.