Melendez renews with UFC and will coach TUF 20 alongside Pettis

After much negotiation, G. Melendez (photo) renewed with the UFC. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

A turnaround in negotiations between Gilbert Melendez and UFC culminated in the second-placed lightweight ranking's renewal with the main MMA organization on the planet, and in addition his confirmation as coach of the 20th season of the The Ultimate Fighter. Last week, the agreement between Melendez and Bellator had already been announced, but with the disclosure of a clause that allowed Ultimate to match the rival organization's proposal. However, the terms of the agreement between the former Strikeforce champion and the UFC were not disclosed.

Participation in TUF 20, which will mark the launch of the new women's strawweight category (up to 52,1 kg), also guaranteed Melendez a new chance for the lightweight belt. This is because the rival coach of “El Niño” in the reality show will be Anthony Pettis, current division champion. The program's recordings begin in May and its premiere on North American TV is scheduled for September. The fight between Melendez and Pettis should take place in the last months of 2014.

The confirmation of Melendez's renewal and the announcement of his name as Pettis' next opponent close, at least momentarily, the doors for José Aldo move up a category and fight for the lightweight belt, as has been speculated since Manauara's most recent victory – over Ricardo Lamas, at UFC 169. With no room for him to receive an immediate shot at the title in the higher weight division, the trend is indeed that Aldo remains in the featherweight division for a while longer, a category in which he has been the champion since its inauguration in November 2010.

At 31 years old, Gilbert Melendez has a record of 22 wins and just three losses as a professional. “El Niño”, as he is known, was the lightweight champion of the now-defunct Strikeforce and, therefore, debuted in the UFC challenging the then-title holder of the category. Ben henderson. In the fight, held in April last year, Melendez ended up defeated by a split decision from the judges, in a highly contested result. Six months later, the American returned to the octagon and beat his compatriot Diego Sanchez at UFC 166 via unanimous decision. The three-round battle earned the duo a nomination for “Fighter of the Year 2013” ​​at the “World MMA Awards”, considered the “Oscar of MMA”.