Eddie Alvarez predicts Justin Gaethje knocks out Michael Chandler at UFC 268

Having gone to war with both men, Eddie Alvarez has provided some insight on the Justin Gaethje vs. Michael Chandler showdown coming up at UFC 268.

Former title challengers Gaethje (22-3 MMA, 5-3 UFC) and Chandler (22-6 MMA, 1-1 UFC) meet in a pivotal lightweight clash Saturday at Madison Square Garden, and while Alvarez can see the fight going either way, he thinks Gaethje will likely stop Chandler.

Both Gaethje and Chandler are NCAA Division I All-American wrestlers, but interestingly enough, Alvarez thinks Chandler would have his way on the ground. That being said, Alvarez anticipates a standup war where Gaethje will have more tools to win.

He explained why on Twitter:

“True pick em. Gun to my head I’m leaning Justin because of the leg kicks and the fact Mike doesn’t have a great deal of D, Mike’s easiest path is the ground, He could dominate JG there. But it will stay standing and I’d say the second most violent man gets it done JG KO.”

True pick em .gun to my head I’m leaning Justin because of the leg kicks and the fact Mike doesn’t have a great deal of D, Mike’s easiest path is the ground , He could dominate JG there . But it will stay standing and I’d say The second most violent man gets it done JG KO

— Eddie Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) November 1, 2021

Alvarez battled Chandler twice. He lost his Bellator lightweight title when he was submitted by Chandler in a “Fight of the Year” contender in 2011 but was able to avenge his loss in a split decision two years later.

In another one of his classic battles, Alvarez fought Gaethje at UFC 218 in 2017. After a back-and-forth brawl, Alvarez knocked out Gaethje in Round 3, earning the “Fight of the Night” bonus.

UFC 268 takes place Saturday at Madison Square Garden in New York. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPNews/ESPN+ and early prelims on ESPN+.