Eddie Alvarez vs. Gilbert Melendez: Let’s Make It Happen
A matchup of MMA's top two 155 pound fighters is what the fans, and media, need to see
MMA fans have spoken, and they want lightweight stars Eddie Alvarez and Gilbert Melendez to meet in a co-promotional fight that should prove to be a thrilling exhibition.
Eddie Alvarez is the current lightweight champion of the Bellator Fighting Championship, though he has faced stiff competition all around the world. In his Bellator bout against Greg Loughran, Alvarez showed his heart, as he took some big shots but survived and pulled off a submission to win the fight. Alvarez then continued to use his elite wrestling and grappling skills to win his next two fights by rear-naked choke and become Bellator’s first ever lightweight champion. Later, Alvarez met UFC veteran Josh Neer in a non-title bout. Neer has always been known for his solid ju-jitsu, vicious striking and pure toughness. In that fight, Alvarez used his wrestling and his ever-improving standup skills to set up his favorite submission; namely, the rear-naked choke. Alvarez sports a combat record of 20 wins and only 2 losses, and he has proven to be one of the top lightweight fighters in the world. For this reason, he may be matched up with another top lightweight in Gilbert Melendez sometime very soon.
Gilbert Melendez is a Mexican-American mixed martial artist who is the reigning Strikeforce Lightweight Champion. Melendez has been in the cage with some solid lightweight competition, and his MMA record of 18 wins and 2 losses is even more impressive when you consider the fact that he avenged his 2 losses in later fights. Melendez utilizes a crisp blend of wrestling, BJJ and Muay Thai techniques to conquer his opponents. He has won the majority of his fights by either TKO or Decision, unlike Alvarez who is on somewhat of a submission hot streak. Now, MMA fans around the world are calling for this matchup and attempting to predict the result.
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If Eddie Alvarez and Gilbert Melendez have the opportunity to fight one another, it would be a great night for MMA fans around the world, but a rough night for one of these men. Alvarez and Melendez seem to be on similar ground when it comes to their wrestling ability, which may neutralize this aspect of the fight and force the men to stand toe-to-toe. If the fight does somehow go to the ground, Alvarez has shown himself to be a very highly skilled grappler and finisher, though Melendez is certainly proficient on the ground as he trains out of the Caesar Gracie academy. However, the fight is likely to be a stand-up war for the aforementioned reasons. It is my opinion that Eddie Alvarez’s conditioning and boxing will enable him to out-strike and potentially outlast Melendez and earn himself a decision, since the tough Mexican-American will certainly not be finished easily. Alvarez still may be able to wear down Melendez and set up his new favorite finishing move, the rear-naked choke, if he takes Melendez’ back late in the fight. Regardless of the outcome, it is certain that each man would still leave the cage a proud and elite mixed martial arts fighter, and fans will likely be treated to a spectacular matchup between two battle-tested and worthy opponents. Let’s make it happen people!
By Anthony DeFrancesco
ProFighting-fans.com MMA Staff Writer