June 13 just got very busy in Mexico City as the UFC is set to return for UFC 188. The card will feature a main event between Cain Velasquez (13-1) and interim Heavyweight title holder Fabricio Werdum (19-5-1). It will also feature a co main event that is a highly anticipated match at lightweight between Gilbert Melendez (22-4) and Eddie Alvarez (25-4). Also a women's bout has been added to the card in the strawweight division as Tecia Torres (5-0) faces Angela Hill (2-0).
The long awaited match between Fabricio and Cain looks as if it will finally happen. How Cain returns from a long layoff will be key. Werdum has been active and a great face for the promotion ever since he captured the interim title beating Mark Hunt.
What has been called the underground championship between two fighters with a bit of history in Alvarez and Melendez. This a fight that many thought would happen back when both fighters were in a different promotions but it is finally set. Alvarez too has had a layoff due to personal reasons but has been training and like us all are really looking forward to this fight.
Tecia Torres was one of the top picks in the all-women’s season of TUF 20 while Angela was one of the last. No matter as both girls are undefeated heading into this match. It should be an awesome striking affair that will be one of the more fun fights of the night.
Also in the welterweight division, popular hometown favorite Augusto “Dodger” Montano (14-1) will seek his second UFC win when he battles rising Irish star Cathal Pendred (16-2-1), who is unbeaten in three Octagon starts.
We also get a chance to see the return of the Mexico native and The Ultimate Fighter Latin America winner Yair “El Pantera” Rodriguez (4-1) making his debut since winning the competition. He faces fellow featherweight prospect Charles Rosa (10-1) who has won 10 of his last 11 bouts.
Tickets go on sale March 18th.