Here are Thursday’s UFC Fight Night 90 matchups

A breakdown of the fights on the main card of UFC Fight Night 90 on Thursday at the MGM Grand Garden:

Rafael dos Anjos (24-7) vs. Eddie Alvarez (27-4)

Class: For dos Anjos’s lightweight title

Line: dos Anjos minus-350

Storyline: Alvarez is a fundamentally sound fighter who can do everything well. Though he has only been in the UFC a short time, he has a ton of experience in championship fights, so he shouldn’t be intimidated by the moment. Dos Anjos is so good at bringing waves of pressure, though. He will get right up in Alvarez’s face early and often and may even look to take him to the ground and ratchet the pressure up from there. Alvarez would prefer to stay on the outside and find spots to jump inside and get back away from the champion’s range. That’s easier said than done. Dos Anjos has been susceptible to flat spots, but has grown more consistent in recent fights. While he’s probably a bigger favorite than he should be, dos Anjos probably will find a way to keep Alvarez at bay.

Pick: Dos Anjos by decision

Roy Nelson (22-12) vs. Derrick Lewis (15-4-0, 1 No Contest)

Class: Heavyweight

Line: Nelson minus-130

Storyline: This could prove to be as simple as two huge guys throwing big right hands until someone falls. Seriously. Lewis isn’t interested in doing anything but throwing knockout punches, and Nelson has become reliant on a strong overhand right. Nelson’s superior grappling skills feel almost like a rumor at this point, as it has been so long since he chose to showcase that aspect of his game. He may try to Thursday once he feels the power of Lewis. Still, don’t expect Nelson to be easily impressed. He has a strong chin and is incredibly difficult to knock out. Don’t blink.

Pick: Lewis by first-round knockout

Alan Jouban (13-4) vs. Belal Muhammad (9-0)

Class: Welterweight

Line: Jouban minus-140

Storyline: Jouban has won three of his past four fights, including two by first-round knockout. He needed 2:15 to finish Brendan O’Reilly in March. Muhammad is making his UFC debut on short notice. He abandoned the Legacy Fighting Championships belt to fight Jouban. Muhammad has recorded three knockouts and is still without a submission, as he bounced around the regional circuit for the past few years. Muhammad, a Chicago native, spent nearly all of his training camp fasting between sunup and sundown for Ramadan. He doesn’t expect it to affect his performance.

Pick: Jouban by second-round knockout

Joe Duffy (14-2) vs. Mitch Clarke (11-3)

Class: Lightweight

Line: Duffy minus-380

Storyline: Duffy, largely known as the last man to beat Conor McGregor before Nate Diaz in March, was quickly rising through the ranks before a loss to Dustin Poirier in January that stunted his progression in the division. While he’s no longer on the fast track for another shot against McGregor, Duffy possesses plenty of skills. He’s a strong striker with an undefeated record as a pro boxer and kickboxer. Clarke, a submission ace, is also coming off a loss. In response, he switched camps to get back on track. He has been working at the famed Jackson-Wink MMA Gym in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and believes he can reverse a 2-5 start to his UFC career.

Pick: Duffy by second-round knockout

Contact reporter Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5509. Follow him on Twitter: @adamhilllvrj