Eddie Alvarez vs Rafael Dos Anjos — Fight recap

Eddie Alvarez stopped Rafael Dos Anjos via knockout in the first round at 3:49, capturing the UFC lightweight title on July 7, 2016. Alvarez's striking dominance was evident from the opening moments, landing 45 of 78 significant strikes at 57% accuracy while Dos Anjos managed only 12 of 41 at 29%.

The challenger's precision was particularly sharp on the head, connecting with 34 of 67 strikes there, and he displayed perfect accuracy on his limited body work at 8 of 8. Alvarez's sole takedown attempt succeeded, giving him marginal control time, but the fight was decided decisively on the feet as he overwhelmed Dos Anjos with volume and timing before Herb Dean waved it off.

The loss marked a significant shift in the lightweight hierarchy, ending Dos Anjos' reign and establishing Alvarez as the new champion.