What's in store at UFC Fight Night: Dos Anjos vs Alvarez July 7 on UFC FIGHT PASS? We break down all the fights at the MGM Grand Garden Arena including the headliners Eddie Alvarez vs Rafael Dos Anjos and Derrick Lewis vs Roy Nelson
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Alvaro Herrera vs Vicente Luque
Two former Ultimate Fighter competitors meet up in a stylistic matchup that should get International Fight Week’s three shows in three nights off to a rousing start. Mexico’s Alvaro Herrera has never gone the distance, with five of his wins coming by knockout, including his UFC debut against Vernon Ramos, which lasted only 30 seconds. Brazil’s Luque is a finisher as well, so don’t expect to get 15 minutes out of this one.
Reginaldo Vieira vs Marco Beltran
TUF Brazil winner Reginaldo Vieira makes his first start since his decision victory over Dileno Lopes, and while Mexico’s Marco Beltran doesn’t have the most sparkling record at 7-4, his last two wins have come in the Octagon against Marlon Vera and Ning Guangyou, proving that he’s ready for prime time.
Lukasz Sajewski vs Gilbert Burns
One of the top groundfighters and prospects in the sport, Gilbert Burns is also coming off his first pro loss against Rashid Magomedov. It’s a situation shared by Poland’s Lukasz Sajewski, who will look to rebound from a loss to Nick Hein on Thursday. This one will likely be decided by the fighter who has put their loss further in the rearview mirror.
Jerrod Sanders vs Felipe Arantes
Inactivity has kept Brazil’s Felipe Arantes from making his move to the next level, but with a win over former college wrestling star Jerrod Sanders, he could secure his first visit to the top 15.
Pedro Munhoz vs Russell Doane
Pedro Munhoz is a fighter to watch at 135 pounds, but Hawaii’s Russell Doane is no easy out, making this clash of prospects an intriguing one and one where the winner can make a big leap forward in his career.
Dileno Lopes vs Anthony Birchak
The TUF Brazil 4 cast is well represented during International Fight Week, and in the bantamweight division, season finalist Dileno Lopes will be seeking his first Octagon win against exciting up and comer Anthony Birchak, who has no intention of giving up home field advantage this week.
Mehdi Baghdad vs John Makdessi
While there are no guarantees in MMA, it might be a safe bet to say that Mehdi Baghdad and John Makdessi are going to keep it standing for 15 minutes or less in their lightweight bout. And if they do, expect fireworks, because there are two of the most dynamic and technical strikers in the division.
Alberto Mina vs Mike Pyle
Mike Pyle has had too much success in the Octagon to be called a gatekeeper, but for unbeaten welterweight Alberto Mina, his ticket to the next stage of his career is a win over “Quicksand” on Thursday. For Pyle, a win would be just another chapter to a story still going strong at the age of 40.
Mitch Clarke vs Joe Duffy
Despite suffering his first UFC loss to Dustin Poirier, “Irish” Joe Duffy is still one of the top prospects in the sport today, and while he’s the favorite to get back in the win column, Mitch Clarke proved in his win over Al Iaquinta that he is no stranger to handing hot prospects costly defeats.
Belal Muhammad vs Alan Jouban
Alan Jouban always brings the heat on fight night, especially after taking a punch or two to the grill. Unbeaten newcomer Belal Muhammad is likely to oblige “Brahma,” and from there, it’s on. This should be a good one.
Derrick Lewis vs Roy Nelson
Is this the bout where we finally see the vaunted ground game of Roy Nelson? Probably not. These are two fighters who made their name with their knockout power, and they’re likely to try early and often to finish each other in highlight reel fashion.
Eddie Alvarez vs Rafael Dos Anjos
Rafael Dos Anjos and Eddie Alvarez are not flashy, they’re not trash talkers, and they’re not going to get into any pre-fight altercations. That’s what they aren’t. What they do bring to the Octagon is professionalism, skill and, most importantly, determination. They didn’t get handed this fight; they earned it. And what will likely follow is a five-round war won by whoever wants it more.
