The UFC has announced a high-level lightweight tussle between former UFC champion Anthony Pettis and former Bellator champion Eddie Alvarez. The match features two of the UFC’s most exciting fighters in a match that will certainly leave the winner firmly in the title picture.
You have to hand it to Alvarez (26-4) for not being shy about fighting anybody. He earned his reputation in smaller shows, in Japan and eventually with Bellator before making his way to the UFC. He has fought Donald Cerrone, Gilbert Melendez and now Pettis, all of whom are basically top five fighters in the lightweight division. Alvarez lost his debut to Cerrone, and then won a hard-fought split decision against Melendez. Though he has fought well, he is in desperate need of a win to maintain momentum and avoid going 1-2 in the UFC.
[related_post_two]
Anthony Pettis is in the same boat, as he is in desperate need of a win. We have not seen Pettis since his March loss to Rafael Dos Anjos that saw him lose the UFC lightweight title. Prior to that loss “Showtime” Pettis looked to be growing into the role of champion, showing charisma as well as in the ring talent and the UFC took notice, putting their marketing machine behind him. It has been a while, but Pettis graced a box of Wheaties during his high point.
Against Dos Anjos he entered a heavy favorite as more people were talking about his future showdown with Cerrone than a win for Dos Anjos, but the workmanlike Brazilian came in focused and he out-hustled Pettis for five rounds.
The matchup is intriguing, because questions have been raised about Pettis’ work ethic. He is a young athlete with a lot of potential, but Dos Anjos came into the title fight with his motor revved higher. The stocky Dos Anjos was able to work from top position and grind when he had to and Alvarez has a wrestling base that make him capable of the same.
Alvarez too has starching KO power, and his stocky frame and speed could be troubling to Pettis. Look for the line to be very close for this one when it opens up at the books, as it is a fight that could go either way.
