Pic: Scorecard for Eddie Alvarez's split-decision win over Gilbert Melendez at UFC 188

After years of anticipation and back-and-forth chatter, Eddie Alvarez and Gilbert Melendez finally mixed it up in the center of the Octagon last night (Sat., June 13, 2015) in the co-main event of UFC 188 in Mexico City, Mexico.

Unfortunately, the bout didn't quite live up to the hype, as the the three-round affair couldn't deliver the spark many in attendance and others watching home were expecting. Of course, the fact the Alvarez couldn't see out of one eye for most of the fight, had plenty to do with it.

Video highlights here.

And it was all thanks to one of "El Nino's crushing elbows that landed perfectly in the eye socket of the former Bellator champion. And one ill-advised blow of the nose from Eddie, too.

Despite the blow and going down early one round to none, Alvarez dug deep and pulled out a razor-thin split decision victory over the former Strikeforce lightweight champion. Much to the chagrin of Melendez, of course, and many others who felt Gilbert had done enough work and damage to get the nod.

Unfortunately for Team Melendez, the judge's saw it different.

The scorecard (via MMA Fighting) shows Judges Derek Cleary and Sal D'Amato giving the second and third rounds to Alvarez, while Chris Lee gave the rounds one and two to Melendez.

We know some of you were keeping score at home, so lets hear your final tally in the comments section below.

For complete results from UFC 188: "Velasquez vs. Werdum," including play-by-play updates, click here.