Alvarez Gives Warning to Melendez: ‘You’re In for a Rude Awakening’

Former Bellator Lightweight Champion Eddie Alvarez will be making his return to the octagon this weekend at UFC 188. Former Strikeforce champion Gilbert Melendez will be standing in the corner opposite of Alvarez and the lightweight contest is one fans have wanted to see since they ruled their respective promotions.

Alvarez lost his UFC debut against Donald Cerrone, but vows to make a spectacular return this weekend in Mexico City, Mexico.

“He knows very well what he’s getting himself into,” Alvarez told MMA Mania. “I think everybody knows. He’s got to say that stuff and I understand. He doesn’t believe it. I don’t think he believes it. I think he’s a little bit nervous about it.”

While the rivalry is strong, Alvarez knows that Melendez brings a lot to the table.

He’s a spirited fighter. He’s durable,” said Alvarez. “He always trains his butt off and goes in there and is able to fight hard for 15 minutes or 25 minutes. I’m expecting that guy to come in and fight the best that he can give.”

Melendez wasn’t the most dominant Strikeforce champion in the company’s history for no reason, but Alvarez feels that Gil’s best won’t be good enough. “His best will not be good enough. Not on June 13th. He’s going to have to do something different or sacrifice a little more. I’m ready, I’m more ready than I’ve ever been. He’s in for a rude awakening if he thinks he’s going to beat my ass.”

Gilbert Melendez walks into the octagon as the favorite, but can Eddie Alvarez pull off the upset and catapult himself into the top five?

BJPENN.COM ALL-ACCESS! UFC 188 – Gilbert Melendez Media Day! — WATCH!