Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert ‘El Niño’ Melendez (19-2) is willing to walk away from his title in order to get a shot at the UFC belt. Fellow Cesar Gracie teammate, and former Strikeforce welterweight champ, Nick Diaz has already abdicated his title and is set to meet current UFC champ Georges St-Pierre on Oct. 29 at UFC 137. Gilbert is looking to do the same by proving to everyone that he is the best 155 lb fighter in the world.
Gilbert currently does not have a fight scheduled next, but is expected to meet the winner of next weeks Strikeforce: Dallas bout between K.J. Noons and Jorge Masvidal. ‘El Niño’ has successfully defended his title twice since unifying the title against Josh Thomson in December of 2009.
Speaking to ESPN.com, Gilbert talked about getting his shot at the UFC belt and possibly unifying the titles.
“Sure! I would give up my Strikeforce belt to fight the UFC champion. I’d really like a unification bout.”
“I should be on the top of the list, not just because of what I’ve done recently, but because of my whole history,” Melendez said. “I’m more of a veteran than any of these guys.
“I’ve fought overseas, I’ve fought in Japan, I’ve been booed, I’ve fought in places where I’ve been the underdog and I’ve beaten champions when they were champions.I want the shot at the [UFC] title. I’m the true No. 1 contender and I’m the favorite as well. But I will roll with the punches. If they want me to fight a little more I will do it.”
“I’m ready, I was ready yesterday. I was ready to start training for a fight yesterday.”
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