http://mmajunkie.com/2015/02/eddie-alvarez-vs-gilbert-melendez-co-headlines-ufc-188-in-mexico-city
Eddie Alvarez vs. Gilbert Melendez co-headlines UFC 188 in Mexico City
After an earlier announcement about the event’s championship headliner, UFC 188 now has an intriguing co-headliner.
UFC 188 takes place June 13 in Mexico City. A venue has not been announced, but the UFC’s inaugural trip to the country and city took place at Mexico City Arena in November. In UFC 188’s headliner, which was announced earlier today, long-reigning heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez (13-1 MMA, 11-1 UFC) meets interim titleholder Fabricio Werdum (19-5-1 MMA, 7-2 UFC).
Melendez is No. 6 and Alvarez is No. 8 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA lightweight rankings.
He now meets Melendez, whom he’s previously sparred with in the media while discussing a potential bout. Melendez recently returned from a 14-month layoff, due to in part to a contract renegotiation, and suffered a title loss to champ Anthony Pettis after their coaching stint on “The Ultimate Fighter 20.” The 32-year-old, who won seven straight fights from 2009-2012, is now 1-2 in his past three bouts, which also included a UFC-debut loss to then-champ Benson Henderson in 2013.