Gilbert Melendez On Anthony Pettis: This Is A Matchup I’ve Been Wanting For A Long Time

Former Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melebdez has faced some tough tests so far in his twelve years as a mixed martial artist. But, Melendez will face the biggest challenge of his career later this year when he challenges Anthony Pettis for his lightweight title.

The two are set to meet following coaching on season 20 of The Ultimate Fighter which is set to begin filming in July. The show will be premiered in September on Fox Sports 1 and will crown the women’s first strawweight champion.

Ahead of the show, Melendez says he’s looking forward to having fun but doesn’t plan on having much of a relationship with his future opponent:

“I definitely respect Anthony, and it’s competition,” Melendez told MMAJunkie. “I’m a competitive guy. I probably won’t have much relationship with him. I don’t plan on talking to him. I don’t want to, not too much, but I’m going to have fun as well. It’s going to be team ‘El Nino’ versus ‘Team Showtime,’ and we’re here to win.”

Many fans questioned the UFC’s decision to give Melendez the first crack at Pettis’ crown with him being just 1-1 in the UFC. But, “El Niño” says his mental edge over fighters may have secured the shot for him.

“Sometimes, playing the mental game is part of the sport, and I’ll do what I’ve got to do,” he said. “I think we’re both respectful when it comes to crossing the line, but I think I’ll just keep my distance and keep it professional. I’m not looking to have a relationship with Anthony Pettis.”

One of the main obstacles the 32-year old knows he will have to overcome when he takes on “Showtime” is the champions spectacular kicking game. Pettis is very unorthodox when fighting and has a lot of flashy strikes. However, Melendez isn’t worried about the champs striking and feels like this is a match he’s been waiting for.

“His striking and his kicks and his creativity is awesome, but it’s nothing I fear at all,” Melendez said. “I feel quite confident in this matchup. I feel like stylistically, this is a matchup I’ve been wanting for a long time.

I think he’s a great guy and creative, but I’m not scared of those kicks at all. I feel I can walk right through them, to be honest. He’s good at what he does, but I think I’m better in a bunch of different dimensions.”

Melendez did have a lot of success stifling the kicks of Ben Henderson when the two fought but against Pettis he faces an entirely different challenge all together.

Do you Melendez will be able to handle the champ?