UFN 81 Results: Eddie Alvarez defeats Anthony Pettis via split-decision

Former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis (18-4 MMA) took on former Bellator lightweight title holder Eddie Alvarez (27-4 MMA) in the co-main event of ‘UFC Fight Night 81’ in Boston.

Round one begins with an Eddie Alvarez leg kick. Eddie shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Pettis is trying to use the fence to get back to his feet. He does, but eats some punches from Eddie to do it. Alvarez shoots back in for another takedown. The lightweights battle in the clinch against the fence. Eddie shoots low for another takedown. Pettis stuffs it. Alvarez scores a takedown with an inside trip. Pettis bounces back to his feet. Pettis lands a good kick. He tries a spinning kick but Eddie catches it and takes him down. Pettis is back up and lands a brutal kick to the body of Alvarez. Eddie eats it and moves forward. Eddie with a leg kick. Another hard body kick from Pettis. Good right for Eddie lands. Back in the clinch and Eddie lands a knee. The horn sounds to end round one.

Round two opens with a Pettis kick. Eddie lands a good kick to the body but Pettis catches him back with a right hand. Good right hook lands for Eddie. He shoots in for a takedown, Pettis isn’t having it and they battle in the clinch against the fence. Pettis gets free and lands a knee. Good short right from Eddie. Good kick to the body by Pettis. Leg kicks land from both fighters. Pettis with a hard leg kick. Alvarez closes the gap and gets Pettis up against the fence. Alvarez is trying hard for a takedown but Pettis stuffs it. Good right for Pettis. Nice leg kick by Alvarez. Both fighters land good right hands and then kicks. Another kick from Pettis. Returned by Eddie. Alvarez shoots in as the round ends.

Both fighters land good leg kicks to start round three. Alvarez shoots in for a takedown, doesn’t get it but pins Pettis against the fence. They break and Pettis lands a good shot. Alvarez appears to be hurt. Pettis comes after him but Eddie shoots in for a takedown and gets it. After an attempted heal hook from Pettis, Eddie would advance to half guard. He’s landing some good strikes. Alvarez is putting it on him. Pettis is up and down again. Eddie with some punches before Pettis gets back up. Eddie continues to grind on Pettis against the fence. They break with 30 seconds left. Eddie with a good combo. Pettis responds with a good kick to the body. They trade shots to end round three.

Eddie Alvarez defeats Anthony Pettis via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)