Strikeforce lightweight champ Gilbert ‘El Niño’ Melendez (20-2) is looking for his next title defense by returning to the cage on May 19th.
‘El Niño’s’ coach Cesar Gracie Tweeted (@CesarGracieBJJ) this message on Monday.
– @ufc Gil is fighting May 19th. I hope Penn or Pettis
Melendez is looking to return at the next Strikeforce event following the recent Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey show held just a couple of weeks ago.
It appears, at least according to Gracie, that the champ is hoping to meet one of two former champions in B.J. Penn, who held the UFC lightweight and welterweight titles, or Anthony ‘Showtime’ Pettis, the last WEC lightweight champion.
‘El Niño’ defended his title this past December, earning a unanimous decision over Jorge Masvidal at the Strikeforce show at the Valley View Casino Center in San Diego.
The upcoming May event is expected to take place in the traditional home of Strikeforce at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California and is expected to feature the Grand Prix Heavyweight Tournament final between Josh Barnett vs. Daniel Cormier.