Lightweight Gilbert Melendez aims for top spot in UFC
By BOB EMANUEL JR. | Scripps Howard News Service
For years, Gilbert Melendez considered himself one of the planet’s top lightweight fighters.
But the chance to prove it eluded him.
Melendez, who held the Strikeforce title, believed that to truly be considered the world’s best lightweight, he had to capture the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s belt.
So when the UFC absorbed Strikeforce last year, a path opened for Melendez to finally reach the top. Saturday night, Melendez will face UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson in the main event of UFC on FOX 7 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.
“This is a neat opportunity for me,” said Melendez, 21-2. “I’m definitely prepared. For the longest time, I’ve been trying to prove that I was No. 1. This is my opportunity. I’m going to take advantage of it.”
Henderson, 18-2, is not taking the challenge lightly.
“I know how tough Gil is,” he said. “I know he is the Strikeforce champ and has been ranked top two, top three on the planet for a long time. I’m not looking past him at all. Not even close.”
The event, which can be seen live at 2 p.m. HST, will also mark the UFC debut of Daniel Cormier, who won the Strikeforce heavyweight grand prix tournament. Cormier will face former two-time UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir. Lightweights Nate Diaz and Josh Thomson and welterweights Matt Brown and Jordan Mein will also fight.
