G. Melendez (photo) will face Pettis at the end of the year. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
At 32 years old, Gilbert Melendez believes he will go through a decisive moment in his career next Saturday (6). The North American, former Strikeforce champion, sees the fight against Anthony Pettis as a possible last chance of his life to win the UFC lightweight title.
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That's because Melendez fought for the belt last year, when he was defeated by Benson Henderson in a controversial decision by the judges. If he suffers another setback against Pettis, “El Niño” considers that he may never receive an opportunity again.
“It’s [a huge fight]. It's probably my last chance to win the title. If not, it will probably be a few years before I deserve to fight for the title again. I recognize the opportunity and know it may be my last chance. But I feel little pressure. I’m calm”, said the fighter, in an interview with the website of the North American broadcaster “FOX Sports”.
Even so, Melendez believes that the pressure will be on Pettis' side, as the champion has stated that the fight will not go beyond the first round. “This seems like a bit of plagiarism to me. Conor McGregor. He's trying to leverage his image in the way he thinks he needs to. Nobody beat me in the first round. He is just putting pressure on himself”, he analyzed.
The fight between Melendez and Pettis will be the co-main attraction of UFC 181, in Las Vegas (USA). In the most important fight of the night, another fight for the belt: John hendricks face Robbie Lawler for the welterweight title.
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