Gilbert Melendez News

Harry Kettle - November 12, 2019

MMA veteran and fan favorite Gilbert Melendez has issued a statement following his release from the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Melendez, 37, was reportedly let go from the UFC last night in the midst of a five-fight losing streak, with his last victory coming in an absolute classic against Diego Sanchez back at UFC 166 in October 2013. “El Niño” has slowly but surely been transitioning over into the punditry world, working for ESPN on a number of big UFC events.

Adam Martin - November 11, 2019

Former UFC title contender and Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez has been released by the UFC after a string of losses. FightBookMMA reported the unfortunate news that Melendez did not survive the UFC’s latest wave of cuts. The promotion last week released 12 fighters from its roster, and now Melendez can be added to that list.

Fernando Quiles - July 7, 2019

Gilbert Melendez won’t commit to retiring or continuing his fighting career just yet. Last night (July 6), Melendez returned to action to meet Arnold Allen inside the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas for UFC 239. “El Nino” hadn’t competed since Sept. 2017. After three rounds of action, Melendez suffered his fifth loss in a row.

Natasha Hooper - May 9, 2019

Former UFC title challenger and Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez (22-7) returns to fight Arnold Allen (14-1) at UFC 239 on July 6. They meet in Vegas! @GilbertMelendez vs @Arnoldbfa is official for #UFC239 pic.twitter.com/uHs8anH1SR

Drake Riggs - September 13, 2018

It has been a less than ideal run in the UFC so far for one of the lightweight division’s best in the former Strikeforce champion Gilbert Melendez (22-7). “El Nino” was once known as the king of Strikeforce as he dominated the 155-pound weight class having won the title on two separate occasions (three if you count interims) along with six title defenses (five excluding interim).

Drake Riggs - December 26, 2017

Gilbert “El Nino” Melendez knows a thing or two about fighting. He has been one of the Lightweight division’s very best for the better half of the last ten years. Primarily known as the king of Strikeforce, Melendez defended a Strikeforce title six times overall and was a three-time champion. He also was the very first ever WEC champion. Nowadays, Melendez has been trying his hand as an analyst and has been doing a great job. Since it’s the week of UFC 219 which is headlined by the big Featherweight title fight that pits Cris Cyborg against Holly Holm, Melendez took the time to share his thoughts with ESPN on how Holm can defeat the seemingly unbeatable, Cyborg.

Tom Taylor - September 11, 2017

On Saturday night, the UFC touched down in the Canadian combat sports hotspot of Edmonton, Alberta. One of the most compelling features of the UFC 215 main card – at least from an entertainment standpoint – was a featherweight scrap between former Strikeforce lightweight champ Gilbert Melendez and long-time featherweight contender Jeremy Stephens. The fight delivered just as we all hoped it would, earning both men $50,000 Fight of the Night checks. Unfortunately for Melendez, it’s not a fight he’s going to forget anytime soon. Early on in the contest, he began absorbing crackling leg kicks from Stephens. These kicks quickly damaged his legs, causing him to fall on several occasions – though he always returned to his feet, demonstrating all the heart and toughness he and his training partners are known for.

Justin Golightly - September 9, 2017

Former UFC lightweight title challenger Gilbert Meledez makes his featherweight debut against “Hardest Hitting 145er” Jeremy Stephens. As soon as this fight was announced, fight fans probably bought fireworks to shoot off in celebration. It’s two scrappers who aren’t going to back down. It’s like they fight on treadmills that are facing each other. Mostly known as the recipient of Conor McGregor’s  “Who The Fook is Dat Guy” line, Stephens entered into this fight for his 26th battle in the UFC and made every moment count. Attacking the leg early@LilHeathenMMA #UFC215 pic.twitter.com/SYqH8rr77e

Russell Ess - May 1, 2017

https://youtu.be/uwfpTxWvwho Just when you think Anthony Bourdain and his “Parts Unknown” CNN series couldn’t get any better, think again.

Tom Taylor - January 23, 2017

For a time, Gilbert Melendez stood out as one of the best lightweights in the world. That was back when he was the dominant champion of Strikeforce’s lightweight division, and running through names like Josh Thomson, Shinya Aoki, Tatsuya Kawajiri and Jorge Masvidal. Today, however, the lightweight great has hit a bit of a rough patch. After a strong start to his UFC career, which saw him give up a razor thin decision to then lightweight champion Benson Henderson, and defeat Diego Sanchez in one of the best fights ever, Melendez has stumbled onto a three-fight losing streak.

Tom Taylor - November 20, 2016

Keri Anne Taylor-Melendez (Gilbert Melendez's wife) just starched her opponent in her MMA debut. #Bellator165 pic.twitter.com/1rFTJK8RV0 — Joshua Sánchez (@jnsanchez) November 20, 2016

Russell Ess - October 27, 2016

One of the greatest cards in UFC history is set to take place just a little over two weeks from today. Three UFC championship title fights will go down at UFC 205 with the main event being headlined by the lightweight title showdown between champion Eddie Alvarez looking to defend his title for the first time against current UFC featherweight champion, Conor McGregor. What makes the lightweight title fight different than any other is that Conor McGregor has a chance to make history by becoming the first fighter in the UFC to ever be the champion of two UFC divisions at the same time. However, “The Notorious” has a tough task ahead of him as Eddie Alvarez is no easy fight.

bjpenndotcom - July 22, 2016

Back at UFC 188, Gilbert Melendez and Eddie Alvarez squared off in the co-main event of the highly anticipated card. Alvarez was looking to bounce back from a lopsided loss to Donald Cerrone, and capture his first UFC win. Melendez on the other hand was looking to return to the win column after a submission loss to Anthony Pettis in a failed bid for the lightweight championship.

Russell Ess - May 20, 2016

Nate Diaz and Gilbert Melendez have been close training partners for a long time with Cesar Gracie. Melendez knows Diaz all too well and says that if McGregor gets his rematch with Nate, the result will be the same as their first match.

bjpenndotcom - May 10, 2016

Back at UFC 188, former Strikeforce champion Gilbert Melendez lost a controversial split decision to Eddie Alvarez. In addition to the decision being controversial, Melendez tested positive for testosterone metabolites. Now, nearly a year later, Melendez’ suspension is up, and he’s gearing up for his UFC on FOX 20 scrap against Edson Barboza on July 23rd in Chicago.

bjpenndotcom - May 4, 2016

At UFC 197 Edson Barboza picked up the biggest win of his professional career as he defeated former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis via unanimous decision. The win was a dominant one for Barboza, as he out-struck Showtime throughout the course of the fight, dealing a severe amount of damage to Pettis’ legs throughout the 3 round bout.