Dana White made plenty of claims that the Strikeforce lightweight champion, Gilbert Melendez was heading over to the UFC ASAP, however that will not happen at this point. On December 17, Melendez will take on Jorge Masvidal in the main event of a stacked Strikeforce card.
Ariel Helwani of MMAFighting.com had the chance to catch up with Melendez who spoke about his upcoming fight and his thoughts on Dana saying he would be in the UFC ASAP.
I’m pumped to be fighting Jorge, I’m pumped to be testing myself. The goal is to be here (UFC) and i’m gonna be here at the end of the day. The goal is to be the champ and at the end of the day that’s gonna happen. I’m looking at the business side of it and i’m more popular now. People are looking at me more than ever. The man, Dana White said go check Gilbert out, so i’m actually grateful that he said that. I am an optimistic guy and am looking at the glass half full.
What exactly was the reasoning behind that ASAP, not happening so ASAP? Gilbert explains a little…
There really was no real explanation except we still got business with Showtime and Strikeforce and this and that. But there wasn’t much questions asked on my part. I’m kind of a soldier here, I let the managers deal with all that. I, basically, was there to just state my case and let everyone know I’m ready. I’m ready for the big stage. I’m ready for all challenges. Let me know. I’m ready to do work and put some entertaining fights on for the fans, too.
So Sucka’s… Will Melendez be in the UFC if he defeats Masvidal on Dec. 17? What will a loss to Masvidal do to Melendez’ career?
