UFC 178: Alvarez Vs. Cerrone Breakdown

Eddie Alvarez vs Donald Cerrone UFC 178 head to head breakdown

One of the most stacked cards of the year is fast approaching as UFC 178 will go down next Saturday (September 27, 2014) from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada live on pay-per-view (PPV). The card is filled with very exciting match-ups from top to bottom. One that I am most intrigued about is the co-main event which pits Donald Cerrone against former Bellator champ Eddie Alvarez. It’s a tough one to call. Here is our Cerrone vs. Alvarez head-to-head breakdown.

Striking:

Both men are very good strikers. “”Cowboy” Cerrone in particular is known for his devastating Muay Thai kicks and crisp combos. He has knocked out two of his last three opponents and is undoubtedly one of the best finishers in the game. Cerrone lands 3.94 significant strikes per minute and boasts a very impressive 47.22 % accuracy rate.

Alvarez on the other hand, actually has more career knockouts and lands more significant strikes per minute. However, I think Cerrone is a different kind of striker. Not that Alvarez can’t hang on the feet, I just think Cerrone may give the former champ some problems and that’s why I am giving “Cowboy” the slight advantage.

60-40 Cerrone

Submissions:

Some fans may forget just how good “Cowboy” Cerrone’s ground game is because of how good he is on the feet. Cerrone is known for his very aggressive guard and is the owner of 15 career submissions to Alvarez’s seven.

Cerrone has scored two submission wins in his last four bouts and being on the ground with him may not be the best place for former Bellator champion Alvarez.

60-40 Cerrone

Wrestling:

Although I gave Cerrone the advantage on the feet, he may have trouble keeping it there in this bout. Alvarez in this case is a much better wrestler and may look to use these skills to win the fight on the ground if he can avoid the submission.

Alvarez possesses a 4.92 takedown average to Cerrone’s 1.53. The former champ also has a very impressive takedown accuracy rate of 59.09% while defending 88.89% of the takedowns attempted against him. Alvarez easily wins this department.

60-40 Alvarez

Who are you picking ahead of Eddie Alvarez vs Donald Cerrone at UFC 178?