Eddie Alvarez: Gilbert Melendez Is A Phony, He Doesn’t want To Fight Me

Headed for a trilogy-ending rematch with arch nemesis Michael Chandler at Bellator’s inaugural pay-per-view (PPV) event on May 17, promotional lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez may just be in for the fight of his life.

Alvarez returned to the Bellator cage last November after a long contract dispute, regaining the belt he lost to Chandler in their late 2011 classic.

However, today Alvarez discussed a fight of a different kind, his proposed showdown with No. 2-ranked UFC lightweight Gilbert Melendez, who recently accepted an offer to Bellator only to remain in the Octagon after the UFC matched. Alvarez told MMAFighting.com that Melendez didn’t take the bait because he’s scared to face him, and always has been:

“He didn’t want come here. Gilbert doesn’t want to come anywhere where I’m at. Gilbert don’t ever want to sign with a company where I’m at.

Wherever Gilbert goes, he wants to be the top dog, which is the same reason he’s avoided me and will for years to come. Gilbert had the opportunity in the Dream tournament, he didn’t. And now he had the opportunity to come to Bellator where I am. He doesn’t want to come where I am. He’s a phony. It’s a facade, it’s a mask, he says he wants to fight me, he doesn’t want to fight me.”

He says he wants to fight me when I make headlines. That’s the only time, so he can get some attention. Other than that, Gilbert Melendez does not want to fight me. He knows its a bad fight for him, a bad night for him, that’s the real truth with that.”

Quite the strong words from Alvarez, who could definitely use another top-level opponent in Bellator. After all, Chandler vs. Alvarez IV just doesn’t sound all that great. But, with Melendez lined up to fight UFC lightweight champ Anthony Pettis after the two face off as coaches on the upcoming TUF 20, “El Nino” is more than happy to be where he’s at.

And with a shot at adding the UFC belt to his Strikeforce and WEC gold, there’s no reason he shouldn’t be.

However, Alvarez’ contract will soon be up for renewal, and he may choose to make his way to the Octagon.

If Melendez gets by Pettis this fall, that could set a potentially huge title bout for next year. Will Alvarez get his shot at “El Nino” anytime soon?

Photo: Jayne Kamin-Oncea for USA TODAY Sports