Gilbert Melendez had been considered one of the best lightweights competing outside of the Octagon over the past few years. At UFC on Fox 7, the former Strikeforce champion will have a chance to prove that recognition was warranted.
In his UFC debut, Melendez will challenge Benson Henderson for the UFC lightweight throne.
With title defenses against Frankie Edgar and Nate Diaz already under his belt, Henderson will be looking to tie the UFC record for consecutive lightweight title defenses with a win over Melendez on Saturday.
The 155-pound championship bout is hardly the only fight of importance on the UFC on Fox 7 fight card, though, and the Bleacher Report MMA staff is here to provide our predictions for the entire main card.
So, let’s get to the picks from Riley Kontek, Scott Harris, James McDonald and Sean Smith.