Miami, FL -Mexico’s Daniel Sanchez (3-1) will battle the undefeated Cuban American Angel Alvarez (4-0) in a lightweight battle to kick off the 2022 Combate Global season.

CG 2022 March 24 airs live on Paramount Plus starting at 10:30 p.m. ET and Univision 12 a.m. ET.

In addition to Sanchez vs Alvarez, the co-main event will feature the return of both Melissa Amaya (2-0) facing Yessica Ortega (1-1) in a three round flyweight contest.

Plus, in a catch weight scrap at 158 lbs, Jimmy Sandlin (4-4) will face newcomer Ruben Lozano (9-5).

Sanchez vs Alvarez

Sanchez has another shot of surprising fans in the main event once again. In October, Sanchez upset the jiu jitsu black belt fighter Levi Escobar by unanimous decision.

While Alvarez routed Gerrick Bontekoe by unanimous decision in November.

Sanchez showed that he is a roadblock to any opponent eager to take the fight to the ground. He has solid takedown defense and it showed against Escobar, who has solid jiu jitsu.

This could be a potential challenge for Alvarez who has solid wrestling skills. Sanchez could bait in Alvarez to take the fight to the ground where he’ll have advantage.

In his last outing, Alvarez had the chance to finish off his opponent early with his powerful hands, however, he is confident he can do so now as has been improving his skills at a new gym: Sanford MMA.

He is currently training with the likes of Gilbert Burns and Kevin Lee.

As for Sanchez, he should use the takedown defense and his experience in jiu jitsu to force the fight to become a grappling contest, but he needs to prevent Alvarez from exchanging in the pocket because the Cuban has knockout power. Although, Sanchez has said he wants a striking fight.

Alvarez has two knockout victories in his professional career, while Sanchez has two submission victories.

Should the fight past the second round the advantage goes to Sanchez who would be patient in search of a submission.

Ortega vs Amaya

Both ladies return to la jaula and will display their recent polishing of skills.

Amaya, who is trained by Rick Little and world champion Juliana Peña, has made quick work of her recent opponents dominating both foes easily.

Ortega is in search of her second CG victory after defeating Muay Thai expert Maria Del Rocio Velazquez in November.

Both women have a fair range in reach which should make for a strike fest. Ortega should move around, keep her hands up and cut angels because Amaya has power in her hands.

Amaya should call Ortega inside the pocket where she is confident in her striking.

However, don’t be surprised if one of these ladies decides to take the fight to the ground to display their groundwork.

Sandlin vs Lozano

Sandlin will be making his third appearance for CG. His last two outings come by way of defeat. He is a resilient fighter willing to take heavy shots and not go down with a vast experience in wrestling.

On the other side, Lozano will be making his first appearance inside la jaula. It is his shot at the big stage after coming off a defeat by the hands of fellow CG fighter Alejandro “Hulk” Sanchez in the first round due to a leg kick in the first round.

Lozano has only gone the distance on three occasions. Six of his victories have come by way of knockout. He trains with Lions Alpha Team, but has also trained with Valle Flow Striking home to many CG fighters and Peña.

Sandlin should capitalize on his wrestling background, which he was shut down from against Samuel Alvarez in the eight men USA vs Mexico tournament in November.

Against Carlos Arana, Sandlin threw everything he could at his opponent, but Arana took the win. Sandlin attempted to search for a last minute knockout victory in the last round, but Arana hung on to win by decision.

Lozano is a fighter who likes to start exchanging and testing his opponent, but Sandlin should come out swinging early on in the fight to throw him off.

Keep in mind, this year CG will be unveiling open scoring which should change the pace in some of the fights.