Do I think he got some favourable style matchups & was fast tracked? Yes! But Izzy already beat contenders #1-5, so how else are they gonna sell a Izzy title defense? There's no intrigue left, cause of the current #1-5 contenders, Izzy has already beaten all of them. Because of their history, this is a easy to sell fight, despite Alex being relatively unproven in MMA. Stylistically, this is probably a difficult fight for Izzy, despite the fact he is more well rounded than Alex. Also, mentally it most bother &/or affect Izzy that he lost to this guy twice (yes, 1 was a controversial decision)
Against most opponents, Izzy has clearly far superior standup & excellent TDD. 1st time in a while where I don't think Izzy is a big favourite. Izzy has better BJJ but are we gonna see Div 1 Izzy? I doubt it, I think it stays standing. Styles make fights, this isn't as easy a fight for Izzy as other guys