Melendez vs. Alvarez Free Pick
MEXICO CITY (The Spread) – Two top lightweight contenders will battle it out in the co-main event of UFC 188 tonight as Gilbert Melendez faces Eddie Alvarez. Which one will get the victory?
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Melendez (22-4) is just 1-2 in the UFC, with both losses coming in championship fights. He was a longtime Strikeforce 155-pound champion. Alvarez (25-4) made his UFC debut last September and suffered a decision loss to current No. 1 contender, Donald Cerrone. Alvarez was the longtime Bellator 155-pound champion before coming to the UFC.
The latest odds according to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv have Melendez favored to win, as he is getting odds of -170 to prevail, while Alvarez is getting odds of +140 to win. This fight is the co-main event of UFC 188 tonight at 10PM ET live on PPV. UFC 188 takes place from Mexico City Arena in Mexico City, Mexico.
Both men possess good technical striking, but Melendez should have an edge in that area due to longer arms and more power with his punches. Where Alvarez should have a slight edge is in the grappling, as he is the stronger of the two. However, Melendez has shown good takedown defense in the past. I would expect this fight to take place largely on the feet, where Melendez should slowly pick apart Alvarez. If the fight happens to be largely on the ground, Alvarez will likely get the win. However, I don’t see that being the case.
UFC 188 FREE PICK: Gilbert Melendez -170
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