No. 1-ranked lightweight contender Anthony Pettis (18-3) will make his return for the first time since losing the UFC lightweight title, and No. 4-ranked Eddie Alvarez (26-4) will be awaiting him on the other side of the cage.
The two possible title contenders will co-main event UFC Fight Night 81 on Sunday at the TD Garden in Boston.
Both Alvarez and Pettis have had a lengthy stint away from the cage, and one could argue it was well deserved after their previous bouts. Everyone should see revitalized and motivated fighters inside the Octagon this weekend. And that makes for a compelling scrap between two of the most exciting fighters in the division.
The three-round affair has major implications not only due to the fighter’s rankings but because the recent news surrounding Conor McGregor vs. Rafael dos Anjos has brought a spotlight back to the division. Who will walk out of Boston with momentum toward the gold?
This is your head-to-toe breakdown of UFC Fight Night 81’s co-main event.