Gilbert Melendez & Eddie Alvarez Trade Barbs

UFC lightweights Gilbert Melendez and Eddie Alvarez seem to be engaging in a war of words, with each man expressing a keen interest in fighting the other. Melendez is currently booked in to face UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis at the end of year show, and Alvarez will meet Donald Cerrone at UFC 178. Nonetheless, both guys have been less than polite about the other in their recent interviews.

First off, “El Nino” went on record at MMAJunkie.com, stating:

“Apparently, I’m on his hit list. Back in the day, I just wanted to fight Eddie Alvarez. I thought he was top in the world at the time. We were two guys who were top four in the world outside (the UFC), and I just wanted to fight him. That’s it. Nothing personal. I just thought it would make for fireworks.”

Melendez also went on to say that Alvarez had ‘lost his edge’, prompting the former Bellator lightweight champion to give a response to MMAFighting.com:

“Oh, is that what he thinks? Tell you what, I think Diego Sanchez must have really landed good with those uppercuts when they fought last year, if that’s the case. He must still be feeling them.”

The two were first linked to a pairing as opposing champions of Bellator MMA and Strikeforce, before Zuffa acquired and melted down Scott Coker‘s love child. The fight never came to fruition, but obviously there is still some friction between Alvarez and Melendez. Stylistically, Alvarez vs Melendez makes a great fight, but would be highy useless for the rankings if “El Nino” loses to Pettis for the title.

Now 1-1 in the UFC, it would seem pointless for Alvarez to pursue a fight with Melendez if he drops to 1-2, unless of course “Cowboy” is victorious at UFC 178. What do you think, should this fight happen, and if so who wins?