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FIGHT ODDS

Melendez Motivated to be No. 1

Carlos AriasDec 15, 2011

Who is the best lightweight in the world of mixed martial arts?

Many observers would say UFC 155-pound champion Frankie Edgar, but there is a case to be made for Strikeforce 155-pound champion Gilbert Melendez. “El Nino” is 19-2, he has avenged both of his losses and he is 7-1 in title bouts. He holds victories over Clay Guida, Mitsuhiro Ishida, Josh Thomson, Shinya Aoki and Tatsuya Kawajiri.

There were rumors that Zuffa, which owns Strikeforce and the UFC, was on the verge of moving Melendez into the UFC, but Edgar is busy with a title defense coming up against Benson Henderson.

“The goal is to be number one in the world at the end of the day,” the former Santa Ana High wrestling star said, “and the only way to do that is by getting the UFC title.”

Continue Reading » Melendez motivated to be No. 1