Melendez celebrates renewal with UFC: 'I never wanted to leave'

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

After weeks of speculation, Gilbert Melendez finally got what he wanted. The fighter, former Strikeforce champion and former UFC lightweight title challenger, managed to reach a favorable condition regarding his future and was able to renew his contract with the largest MMA organization in the world. In addition, he will be one of the coaches of the reality show The Ultimate Fighter and will have another title fight against the champion, Anthony Pettis.

Before reaching the agreement, Melendez considered transferring to Bellator, having even reached an advanced stage in negotiations. However, the UFC didn't let it go and convinced the North American to stay.

In an interview with the North American website “MMA Junkie”, Melendez was satisfied with the new contract. “It's a hard thing to do, but I never wanted to leave. I never wanted to leave the UFC. It's the best organization in the world, it has the best fighters in the world, it's where I want to be. But I had to put that aside and think about my family and my future. I had to reflect on the matter and explore my options,” he commented.

He even stated that he could barely contain his emotions when he managed to reach the ideal terms of his new contract. “I was at a press conference on the phone and I had to mute it. I was laughing, screaming and dancing like a little girl. I was really excited,” he joked.

Melendez and Pettis will coach the 20th season of the program, which will feature women's strawweight divisions. The edition is scheduled to air in September, with the fight between the coaches expected to take place a few months later.