Eddie Alvarez Pressures Anthony Pettis To Earn Split Decision Win

The co-main event of UFC Fight Night 81 saw two former world champions do battle. Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lightweight title holder Anthony Pettis (18-4) took on former Bellator 155-pound kingpin Eddie Alvarez (27-4).

It was the pressure of Alvarez that was the deciding factor of this bout.

The two met at the center of the Octagon in the first stanza. Alvarez took Pettis down early. “”Showtime” wasn’t able to do anything with his guillotine attempt. Alvarez held his opponent against the fence. Alvarez got a trip and took Pettis back down briefly. Pettis broke free and went for a spinning wheel kick, but was taken down. Back on the feet, Pettis landed a stiff body kick. The round ended shortly after.

In the second frame, Alvarez connected with a body kick and a right hook. Alvarez pushed “Showtime” against the cage momentarily. Pettis landed some leg kicks and Alvarez fired one back. Pettis went for a guillotine again, but Alvarez stuck to him. “Showtime” landed a stinging kick to the body. A right hand landed for Alvarez. The round ended with Pettis’ back against the fence.

The start of round three saw both men exchange kicks. Pettis barely missed an uppercut. Alvarez found a home for his body kick. Alvarez completed a takedown. “”Showtime” went for a heel hook, but Alvarez’s hammerfists got him out of danger. After taking some punches, Pettis returned to his feet briefly. He was quickly dumped back down to the canvas. The final horn sounded with both men standing.

Two of the three judges saw Alvarez as the winner and he was awarded a split decision.

Final Result: Eddie Alvarez def. Anthony Pettis via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)