A showdown between lightweights Gilbert Melendez and Eddie Alvarez had been brewing for years and finally came to fruition on Saturday in the UFC 188 co-main event in Mexico City.
Alvarez overcame being hurt in the first round and having a badly swollen left eye to defeat Melendez by split decision.
Like most grudge matches do, the fighters did not touch gloves to start the fight. Alvarez took the center of the cage while Melendez worked to establish his jab. During an early exchange, Melendez landed a elbow flush on the face of Alvarez that staggered “The Silent Assassin.