Gilbert Melendez eyes his shot in the UFC. | Photo: Dave Mandel
Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez looked very comfortable surrounded by members of the media, fielding questions before the UFC’s debut on Fox on Nov. 12 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.
It’s quite a contrast from Melendez’s teammate, Nick Diaz, who recently defeated B.J. Penn at UFC 137 in his return to the UFC. Diaz goofs on Melendez for being so polite and willing to do interviews with reporters.
“You love that [stuff],” Diaz jokes with Melendez.
Melendez said Diaz never planned on being an entertainer. He’s a fighter, period.
“He busts our [chops],” Melendez said of Diaz.
Diaz and his brother, Nate, Melendez and Jake Shields have been teammates for years. The Diaz brothers and Shields have already transitioned to the UFC. Strikeforce was purchased by Zuffa LLC, the parent company of the UFC, and many insiders speculate that it will eventually be folded into the UFC. For now, Melendez has four fights left on his contract with Strikeforce.
Continue » MMA Notes: Melendez Ready for UFC