Russian website predicts Gilbert Melendez vs Khabib Nurmagomedov for UFC 170

G. Melendez (left) is expected to face K. Nurmagomedov (right) in February. Photo: MMA PRESS Production (Josh Hedges/UFC)

A duel between two of the top names in the lightweight category could happen at UFC 170. According to the Russian website “MMA Boxing”, former Strikeforce champion Gilbert Melendez will face Khabib Nurmagomedov on February 22, 2014. The event takes place at Mandalay Bay, in Las Vegas (USA), and has the premiere of Daniel Cormier in light heavyweight, against Rashad evans, as the main fight.

Without knowing what defeat means as a professional, Khabib Nurmagomedov has 21 victories in his career and has already beaten Kamal Shalorus, Gleison Tibau, Thiago tavares, Abel Trujillo and Pat Healy since he debuted in Ultimate. The Russian athlete is seen by many as one of the great promises in the under-70 kg division and a favorite for a future title shot.

Gilbert Melendez, 31 years old, has a record of 22 wins and just three losses. The former champion of the extinct Strikeforce debuted in Ultimate with a highly contested defeat to the then holder of the lightweight belt Ben henderson. In his most recent fight, Melendez recovered from the setback and overcame the TUF 1 champion Diego Sanchez, in the fight of the night at UFC 166.