Gilbert Melendez headed to the UFC "ASAP," puts all 155'ers on notice
Posted on October 2, 2011, 03:46 PM by Joey Santosus
If the UFC Lightweight division isn't already stacked enough, you can expect it to be even more top-heavy as soon as possible.
That's according to UFC President Dana White, who told members of the media following Saturday's UFC on Versus 6 post-fight press conference that the promotion is planning to bring over Strikeforce 155-pound kingpin Gilbert Melendez "ASAP."
"We do want to bring Gilbert Melendez over and we’re looking at it right now," White revealed (via MMAWeekly.com). "We’re going to bring Melendez over ASAP. We’re looking to bring him over now."
Melendez (19-2) is considered by many to be among the top three Lightweights in the world. Since capturing the Strikeforce title with a 2006 split decision victory over current UFC contender Clay Guida, "El Nino" has suffered defeat only twice, both of which were later avenged.
In his latest defense, Melendez picked-up a vicious first-round TKO win over Japanese stand-out Tatsuya Kawajiri, and though he is currently scheduled to square off with Jorge Masvidal in December, those plans are expected to be scrapped if (or when) the Cesar Gracie trained fighter is able to strike a deal with the UFC.
It's welcomed news for Melendez, who in the past has been vocal about his wishes to join training partners Jake Shields and the Diaz brothers in the world's most prominent MMA promotion.
"It’s exciting that the boss definitely wants me over to the UFC, because it’s definitely a good move for me," Melendez explained. "Definitely my goal’s to be in the UFC so if we can get that there sooner than later, I’m all for it. Basically, it would (only take) a phone call from Dana saying drop everything you’re coming to the UFC. I’d be there in a heartbeat. Money doesn’t really mean nothing at this point, my money’s good, I’m happy with my money, if he told me to come fight for the same price, I would do it."
Although White wasn't opposed to the idea of granting Melendez an immediate title shot, no opponent has been confirmed at this time. For Melendez, however, it's all the same to him, as he says he's gunning for every man in the division.
"Either way it’s inevitable. I’m coming for all the 55lbers and I really want to prove I’m No. 1. It would be nice to get a title shot, but if I need to come through it and work my way up, I’m more than willing. Part of being No. 1 is beating everyone, every match-up, I think I can beat every style out there. It doesn’t really matter to me," said Melendez.
Further Reading: Jorge Masvidal: Right now, fighting Gil Melendez is the only thing in my sights
Photo: CombatLifestyle.com
Comments
it was about time!
Hes overrated im sorry, i respect him but thats it i dont see him being in the cream de la crop in the UFC. He beat Kawajiri cuz he wasnt a top 10 LW, in fact the only top 10 that he beat that was also overrated was Aoki. He want compete well at that high of a level of comp, Give him Pettis, Guida, and i would love to see Guillard lay his ass out. Hes ****y and over hypes himself.
if he's so overrated, maybe you should fight him jackoffdrinker.
he did beat Guida...
i do think hes a bit over rated and will struggle in the ufc, i could see him being a high level gate keeper
mate did you not see his war's with josh tompson? this guy's an animal man, i would love to see a fight between melendez n guillard, would have the potential for fight of the year in my opinion
kawajiri was a top ten. get off the ufcs nuts
He's nowhere near as overrated as Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard. I agree that Pettis, Guida, and Guillard can beat him, but those 3 can also destroy Edgar and Maynard.
He's Overate ? R u Kidding Me ? Have u ever seen him fight ? I guess not !
it's about time.
scheduling conflicts aside, i don't see how they could do anything other than unifying the belts and have him face winner of edgar/maynard
The UFC lightweight division is tougher than the Strikeforce one. I think being the champ in Strikeforce warrants a fight against a top 5 UFC guy, but not a title unification bout. Just my opinion
After what he did to Kawajiri the UFC LW division should be a little nervous.
Cuz Kawajiri is a top 5 LW... (sarcasm)
Cuz the entire UFC LW division is in the top 5
(sarcasm)
Kawajiri is arguably top ten having beaten Josh Thompson and Gesias Cavalcante. He is definitely a handful for any top ten fighter and Melendez destroyed him.
if they also get alvarez things will get really interesting. Anyway looks like SF is slowly getting torn to pieces soon mousasi, barnett and cormier will be in the ufc too
Gilbert Melendez > Frankie Edgar...
Don't be so sure. Edgar doesn't have Gilbert's power and after watching him dismantle Kawajiri I wouldn't be surprised to see Gilbert beat anyone but he hasn't faced a technical boxer or Edgar's caliber. Edgar could beat most pro boxers. Add to that Edgar's wrestling and he could present Melendez with some problems.
ahaha no way dud eif you think that its not true. Edgard has great movement but hed get outpointed all day in boxing. hes fluid in mma but dont if he ever threw combinations hed get messed up by someone that can move like he does. That being said i think he will beat maynard again
if he could outpoint most boxers dont you think he would and make some real money?
No dude. He would definitely out point most boxers. With his footwork he is gone by the time they swing. Most pro boxers don't move the way he does. BJ Penn is considered to be a good boxer by most boxers familiar with MMA. Frankie Edgar is a class above him. The only boxers I see giving him a lot of trouble are the guys at the top.
finally! Melendez is a great fighter, it will be interesting to see what they do with him, unified titles? if not give him a guy outside of the current contenders Edgar,Maynard,Bendo and Guida.
Maybe Guillard ?
Btw this is the end of Strikeforce as we now it, all Champions besides the new Middleweight champ are on the UFC . but if you count Shields all the Strikeforce champs are now in the UFC
Melendez , Diaz , Shields , Hendo and Overeem
This is great news!! I'd like to see Melendez against someone like Dennis Sever before getting that shot.
rematch with guida would be awesome, split decisions arnt good enough to determine whos better and they're around the same place right now
Sorry Gil, your a nice guy but you hype yourself a tad bit too much. The pond just got a lot bigger and your not that impressive anymore.
i agree, i have never bought into the hype of melendez, the strikeforce lightweight division is nothing compared to the ufc's. he should definetly fight a top contender before getting a titleshot, especially cuz the division is soo stacked. and if jose aldo goes up to 155 aswell, the potential matchups will be endless.
i was at his fight with guida and it was an asskickin. he took guida down at will and bashed his face in for 5 rounds. guida's hair was flying all over the place. the best or not he is very exciting. if he loses, it will be to a leghumping wrestler who wants no part of his standup. melvin guillard would be a very good opponent to welcome him.
Now if only BJ will move back to LW.....
awesome, cant wait to see how this plays out.
I'm sure the 155'ers in the UFC are shakin' in their boots Melendez. Get in line buddy, the division is STACKED, and you are far from the number 1 contender.