UFC Lightweight Makes Miraculous Comeback With Swollen Eye In Longtime Dream Match

For years, Gilbert Melendez vs. Eddie Alvarez was a dream, a fantasty. Former Strikeforce Lightweight Champion Melendez and former Bellator Lightweight Champion Alvarez were considered two of the top three lightweights in the universe, alongside UFC champion Frankie Edgar. After those years passed, the two locked horns Saturday night at UFC 188 in Mexico.

Melendez came out of the gate fast, punishing Alvarez with elbows early. It looked like Alvarez was hurt badly by them, with at least one breaking his nose. Melendez was unable to follow up, allowing Alvarez to survive. In between the first and second rounds, Alvarez pulled a big no-no: blowing a broken nose. This causes eyes to swell, which happened immediately to Alvarez.

The situation was noticeable, and it looked like making it to a third round seemed like a minor miracle. Despite the handicap, Alvarez fought back and won the second round handily, scoring a late takedown on the resilient Melendez. Towards the end of the round, it looked like the insane altitude of Mexico City was playing a huge factor in Melendez's game, as a guy who usually does 5 rounds in his sleep looked exhausted.

Round three was a close one, but Alvarez managed to edge it out with a few nice combos and a couple of takedowns that didn't amount to much. Alvarez managed to overcome an unbelievable eye injury, and took down the #4 lightweight in the world on his way to a split decision victory. After years of trash talk, the two embraced and shared a special moment in the cage.

You can see our full event results and coverage for UFC 188 at this link.