A pivotal match-up in the UFC lightweight division will headline the Octagon’s return to Calgary, as Dustin Poirier takes on Eddie Alvarez. This will be a rematch, as Poirier vs. Alvarez 1 went down at UFC 211.
The first go-round left everyone, including the two combatants, wanting more.
The first round was what you would expect from these two–a slugfest. “The Diamond” rocked Alvarez in the second round, but the bout ended when Alvarez landed two illegal knees on a grounded Poirier.
What can fans expect this time? Well, obviously much of the same. The question at hand is, who needs this win more? Eric Kowal of MyMMANews.com and I will do a little point-counterpoint to determine that very question.
PCP: Poirier vs. Alvarez
Eddie Alvarez
Alvarez came into the UFC as the Bellator lightweight champion, riding a three-fight winning streak. This did him no justice, as he was fed to the wolves immediately.
He has gone 4-2, with the one no-contest to Poirier in his seven Octagon appearances. This main event battle will be the last fight on his UFC contract. So a win is a necessity since a loss would blow all negotiating power.
The 34-year-old is coming off a giant knockout victory over Justin Gaethje in his last outing, so he is riding a bit of a high. There will be no beating around the bush when the cage door closes. Both of these guys are known to throw caution to the wind, however, Alvarez tends to be a tad bit more durable when push comes to shove.
Both Alvarez and Poirier finished Gaethje in their last fights. However, Alvarez claims he took Gaethje’s unofficial title of “UFC’s most violent man” by defeating him. By beating Poirier, he can truly take that crown.
To read the other side of the puzzle, check out Eric Kowal’s take on Dustin Poirier over at MyMMANews.com
Main Photo
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