July 2: Former ‘Strikeforce’ lightweight champion, Gilbert Melendez has been on a mission for five years now to prove that he is the best 155-pound fighter on the planet.
Melendez believes that he deserves to win the lightweight belt at the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
"I think I am the best lightweight fighter in the world. I think I have proved that I am a better fighter than Benson. He's a tough man to beat and I feel like I did beat him that night. Maybe I lost on the judge's cards, but I know I won the fight,” Melendez said.
"I'm going after the lightweight title now and am going to continue to prove I'm the best lightweight fighter in the world. My goal now is to get that UFC strap. I'm coming for that UFC title."
The 31-year-old Californian has put together an impressive run where he has not only claimed the Strikeforce lightweight championship but defended the strap on six consecutive occasions.
Melendez was given a title shot against reigning Ultimate Fighting Championship title holder Benson Henderson at the San Jose-based promotion which folded in January this year.
With the battle with former lightweight title challenger Diego Sanchez scheduled later this year, Melendez can now begin the preparation for his next go inside the cage.
"I have four months to prepare for Diego. I would get an eight-week notice and a switch of opponents or would get a switch in venues or switch of dates. It's nice to have that kind of lead in. I am looking to get back to that title," Melendez added. "I believe if I make a statement in this fight, that opportunity is right there," he concluded.