Gilbert Melendez finds it hard to get motivated for a third bout versus Josh Thomson

This week Gilbert Melendez had some interesting things to say about his trilogy-ending fight with Josh Thomson this weekend. In an interview courtesy of MMAFighting.com, Melendez reveals that it is indeed hard to get motivated to face a man he has already avenged a loss to, especially when many are clamoring for him to move to the UFC and face top competition. Melendez had the following to say on the subject:

"It's not the easiest to be motivated for. Part of being the champ is just defending the belt a little bit, and that's just what I've got to do. It's tough, but the paychecks, my family, my team, and just my fans, that motivates me. It's what I do. Regardless of being motivated, there's no question if I'm going to train or not."

Melendez may want to fight the top-level Lightweights that the UFC has to offer, but he is a professional and will fulfill the terms of his Strikeforce contract. He is trying his best to remain completely optimistic about the situation, confirming this by saying:

"I've got to be optimistic and look at the glass half full right now. I'm doing what I love. I'm getting paid well, and I never imagined I'd be here. I was fighting barnyards deep down for $200. I'm old-school in this sport. I'd never thought I'd see it come this far, and I'm appreciative of what I've got."

So, Gilbert Melendez remains positive and keeps grinding away at the job he loves, unsure of when he will compete in the UFC Octagon. It may be some time off, but he will most definitely find himself there one day. He closed the interview by saying that he had no comments on the Nick Diaz no-show situation, and that he always backs up his training partners.

Further Reading: The UFC will have to wait; Gilbert Milendez faces Josh Thomson May 19th