HOUSTON—Former Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez came within one judge’s decision of becoming the UFC lightweight champion when he faced former champion Benson Henderson earlier this year.
Melendez was believed, nearly unanimously so, to have won the fight. However, two of the three judges did not see it his way, and “El Niño” was sent back to the drawing board.
He’ll face Diego Sanchez, an enduring and popular UFC veteran, on Saturday night at UFC 166. It’s the start of his road back to the top, and that journey might be an abbreviated one if Melendez is able to win and win big over Sanchez.
Bleacher Report caught up with Melendez here in Houston to discuss the fight and much more. Check out the interview above.
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