Heavyweights Cain Velasquez and Fabricio Werdum will throw their belts in the fire this Saturday at UFC 188 in hopes of capturing ultimate glory.
Both men possess their own dangerous skill sets in a matchup that could produce one of the best heavyweight title fights in recent memory.
Plagued by injuries and overexhausting training camps, Velasquez will attempt to bypass cage rust after missing nearly two years of action. The reigning Mexican champ will need to overcome the world-class grappling of Werdum, who is one of the best ground specialists this sport has ever seen.
It’s the dream matchup that the division needed, as Velasquez has begun to separate completely. But that’s not the only top-tier tilt scheduled to play out this weekend.
Lightweight standouts Gilbert Melendez and Eddie Alvarez will finally lock horns in a divisional matchup that encompasses Fight of the Night potential.
As former 155-pound champions who were once considered two of the best fighters in the world not competing under the Zuffa banner, Melendez and Alvarez have the professional demeanor to get the job done on any given night. Their skill sets should mesh nicely, and the winner should see a significant bump toward title contention.
As UFC 188 sets to deliver on all cylinders, here are the keys to victory for Velasquez, Werdum, Melendez and Alvarez.
Keys to victory for Velasquez
Constant pressure
Plain and simple, Velasquez needs to overwhelm with cardio and score in bunches.
As the most durable heavyweight to ever step foot inside of the Octagon, the champ is at his best when he’s in control and imposing his will. Whether that takes place against the cage or on the ground is up to Velasquez, who needs to advance with caution when testing the grappling of Werdum.
In any case, the AKA standout will fare well if he can make the Brazilian resort to his reserve tanks early.
Play it safe
In order for Velasquez to significantly overwhelm the interim champ, he needs to look for takedowns and finish with authority.
While he should fare well in full guard by utilizing his strong ground-and-pound, Velasquez must remain patient and pick the most intelligent windows of opportunity, because the deeper you press Werdum on the ground, the more prolific his effectiveness off his back becomes.
The idea is not to give him openings to surprise and implement his grappling. If Velasquez can do that, then his game plan should fall right into place.
Keys to victory for Werdum
Remain active
If there was ever something easier said than done, it would be the notion of Werdum outworking Velasquez.
The heavyweight champion often mirrors the output of a welterweight, so matching his intensity, drive and persistence is nearly impossible. But that doesn’t mean Vai Cavalo can’t remain active off his back and score points with consistency.
He’ll have to protect his chin and transition with confidence, but landing some shots out of his defense should throw a wrench in Velasquez’s gears.
Land early
In a landscape where any heavyweight can land the “right punch,” Werdum does possess the striking power to knock Velasquez out.
It’s unlikely at best, especially considering Junior Dos Santos remains the only fighter to ever finish Velasquez, but the Brazilian’s offensive capabilities have evolved over his past few fights.
If he can utilize his dexterity and rangy attacks, then he could dent the champ before the real race begins. Of course, this all depends on Werdum’s ability to circle away and remain on his feet.
Keys to victory for Melendez
Strike with conviction
The former Strikeforce champion remains one of the best technical punchers in the division today.
As someone who can press the cage, get inside and land dirty boxing, Melendez has the ability to outpoint, outproduce and outshine some of the most game strikers.
While Alvarez isn’t Anderson Silva, the Philadelphian can throw some mean leather and take punishment to boot.
That means that Melendez will have to pour it on Alvarez early and often. He needs to strike with meaning and aim for an overwhelming first round.
Play it smart
Alvarez is an emotional fighter. He plays off the actions of his opponent and the influential cheers from the crowd.
That means that Melendez can be the more level-headed fighter in this matchup should he choose to take on that role.
Of course, we’ve seen him wind up and exchange without hesitation to find ways to win in the past. But his most strategic approach to this important lightweight bout remains with his willingness to fight cautiously and force Alvarez to make mistakes.
Keys to victory for Alvarez
Utilize his wrestling
As one of the better boxers in the division, Melendez infuses precision and consistency in ways that many other fighters fail to do.
While Alvarez can find success on his feet, he should be actively looking to secure a takedown at any time.
Melendez is active off his back and possesses solid scrambling abilities, but Alvarez is a reputable grappler with explosive takedowns. Not for nothing, but he probably would have wrestled in college if he hadn’t made his professional MMA debut at the age of 19.
In any case, Alvarez will find success on the ground and should mix up his looks on his feet in order to get there.
Pace himself
Melendez is as durable as they come. He can fight five rounds against any lightweight in the world and is a guy who maintains pressure and potency at all times.
That means that Alvarez has to be in tip-top shape to compete at full capacity should this fight turn into a 15-minute war of attrition.
We’ve seen the former Bellator lightweight champion slow down from implementing wild offensive sprints, but if he can pace himself, he should remain dangerous in each round.
For more UFC news and coverage, Follow @DHiergesell
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com