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Gilbert Melendez Is Excited About Potential Jump to UFC, Ready for Title Shot

Photo by Dean Marchand via <a href="http://www.strikeforce.com/media/videos/2011/04/open-workout-with-melendez-daley-kawajiri-mousasi/" target="new">Strikeforce</a>
Photo by Dean Marchand via Strikeforce

Gilbert Melendez is one of the best lightweights on the planet, but there are many MMA fans out there who don't know who he is. His 19-2 record and having avenged his two career losses have raised him to the #3 spot in the USA Today / SB Nation Consensus Rankings. With seemingly every other Strikeforce champion leaving the promotion for the UFC, it only made sense that Dana White started talking about wanting to bring Melendez into the UFC fold very soon.

Melendez was on The MMA Hour and talked about the buzz surrounding the eventual move:

"I'm definitely impressed by Frankie. He's an amazing fighter. He's great," Melendez said. "I honestly feel like I'm the No. 1 contender and I feel like I'm ready for the title shot now."

...

"I've been focusing on Jorge Masvidal," Melendez said. "He's the first guy in line. I think he's the No. 1 contender, as of now, in Strikeforce, and as of now I have to focus on that guy. He's real tough. But it's hard not to get excited when you hear all these rumors."

Regardless of who you favor in Melendez vs. Edgar, I feel confident saying that you're out of your mind if you don't think it would be a great fight.

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