Champ Gilbert Melendez Looking To Gain Respect From The Common Fans

For any enthusiastic fan of mixed martial arts when someone says the name Gilbert “El Niño” Melendez (18-2), you know they are talking about the Strikeforce lightweight champ and the #3 ranked 155 pound fighter in the world.
Now if you were in a bar somewhere talking to a casual fan of the sport, they will more than likely say “Gilbert who?” when asked the same question. Most casual fans associate the sport of mixed martial arts with the Ultimate Fighting Championship, thinking the most recognizable promotion as having the best fighters in the sport and dismissing anyone who doesn’t fight within the octagon.
That is the type of mentality that Melendez is trying to overcome, and now that Zuffa, the parent company to the UFC, has purchased Strikeforce he’ll get his chance to show he’s the best.
This Saturday he’ll defend his title for a fourth straight time, which includes unifying the title against Josh Thomson, when he meets Japanese fighter Tatsuya Kawajiri (27-6-2) in the co-main event of Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley at the Valley View Casino Center in San Diego, California.
Speaking to Sherdog.com, “El Niño” talked about fighting outside of the UFC.

“One of the things I was sad about was it’s hard to brand, market and get respect for yourself in Strikeforce. Now, I think I’m going to get the best of both worlds and have the marketing machine of Zuffa behind me. And I look forward to the bonuses. I feel like I’ve been a pretty well-kept secret to MMA fans. I’m not saying I’m gonna walk in and be champ, but I think I can get ‘Fight of the Night.’ I want to put on a show.”
It will also change the never-fought-in-the-UFC perception pervasive among fans that have never heard of any other promotion, yet wear that ignorance as a badge of authority when assessing fighters.
“[Non-UFC fighters] seem to get respect from journalists and peers, but it’s a little frustrating with the common person — Joe Schmoe at bars. The guy says, ‘Do you fight in the UFC? You’re No. 2 in the world? In the amateurs, right?’ Now I get a chance to prove myself.”