Talk about Strikeforce Lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez coming to the UFC has been circulating the MMA news scene recently.
UFC President Dana White made it seem as if the top tier lightweight would be headed to the Octagon sooner rather than later with some of his recent remarks.
Despite all the talk, Melendez will have to wait a little longer until he finally makes it to the big show, as he is scheduled to take on top Strikeforce contender Jorge Masvidal on Dec. 17. A successful title defense may earn the champion a shot at UFC Lightweight champion Frankie Edgar.
However, Melendez must first deal with the task at hand.
Masvidal is no slouch of an opponent and is a solid threat to his lightweight crown, sporting a 22-6 record with 10 career knockout wins.
Out of Melendez’s last few opponents, Masvidal is one of the better strikers he will face. Masvidal has a good boxing background that should give Melendez some trouble in the stand-up.
Masvidal is also a proven veteran, owning wins over Joe Lauzon, Yves Edwards, and KJ Noons. He has lost to some of the best, having previously faced Paul Daley, Toby Imada, and Raphael Assuncao.
Despite these two factors, Melendez should still be considered a heavy favorite in this match-up with a win almost guaranteed.
Defeating another proven lightweight outside of the UFC should definitely earn him a date with Edgar.
Melendez has defeated some of the best in the world already, holding wins over Shinya Aoki, Clay Guida, Tatsuya Kawajiri, and Josh Thomson. Although not facing the same level of competition on a consistent basis, Melendez has the success and experience that should work in his favor.
Looking at the UFC’s lightweight division, top contenders are being knocked off left and right.
Former WEC Lightweight champion Anthony Pettis was knocked off the list when he dropped a decision to Clay Guida in June. The hard hitting Melvin Guillard was also nixed from the list when he was submitted by Joe Lauzon at UFC 136.
A few other names, like Dennis Siver, Ben Henderson, and Clay Guida, remain on the list, but none make for as an exciting match-up as Melendez.
Melendez is solid in all aspects of the game and would be a huge challenge to Edgar’s belt while providing an exciting champion versus champion affair that will surely draw in viewers.
Melendez remains one of the few elite fighters not fighting in the UFC. He has proven his skill outside the Octagon and deserves a shot to be considered the best lightweight in the world.
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