Sherdog’s Top 10: Fighters Without UFC Gold

Gilbert Melendez remains one of the world’s premier lightweights. | Photo: D. Mandel/Sherdog.com

5. Gilbert Melendez

In his final days as Strikeforce lightweight champion, Melendez consistently made it clear that he was itching to face the best the division had to offer. Of course, the majority of that talent called the UFC home, and before Strikeforce finally shut its doors, it was unclear exactly when “El Nino” would make the transition to world’s premiere MMA organization.

Highlighted by his triumph in a best-of-three series with Josh Thomson, Melendez had fashioned a resume that compared favorably with any lightweight in the world, UFC or not. It was only a matter of time before Strikeforce met its demise, and when it did, Melendez was promptly installed as the UFC’s No. 1 contender at 155 pounds in his promotional debut.

Good fortune did not smile upon the Skrap Pack member, as he lost a contentious split decision to Benson Henderson at UFC on Fox 7. However, a raucous triumph over Diego Sanchez in his next outing at UFC 166 kept Melendez near the limelight.

What came next was unexpected. With his contract up, Melendez agreed to terms with Bellator MMA -- a surprising move considering it was not all that long ago that he had practically begged to face the best the UFC had to offer. Zuffa came through with a matching offer and, more importantly, a bout against current 155-pound king Anthony Pettis at the end of 2014. In other words, Melendez’s time on this list could be nearing its end.

Number 4 » Jon Fitch