Gilbert Melendez can defend Strikeforce belt against UFC athlete. Photo: Esther Lin
North-American Gilbert Melendez has not found opponents to challenge his reign in the Strikeforce lightweight category. And with the fighter's dominance in the category comes the possibility of some lightweights from the UFC, the organization that bought Strkeforce in 2011, migrating to the promotion sister and challenge the champion
The kickoff for the likely challenge was given by Brazilian César Gracie, Melendez's coach, who asked that the champion's next fight be against one of the UFC's stars. He suggested, on Twitter, a meeting between the pupil and B.J. Penn, former UFC champion in two categories, or Anthony Pettis, former WEC champion and currently number two in line to challenge for the Ultimate belt.
“I hope it’s Penn or Pettis”, the coach posted on the microblog, in reference to Gilbert Melendez’s next fight.
UFC president Dana White even admitted the possibility of fighters from the organization participating in Strikeforce events. But, at the same time, he made a point of emphasizing that events work independently. Some Strikeforce fighters, especially the heavyweights, have already migrated to Ultimate, like the Brazilians Fabricio Werdum e Antonio Pezão. But the opposite path has not occurred, at least for now.
Melendez's return
Despite not yet having an opponent, Strkeforce announced, on Monday night, that Gilbert's next belt defense will be on May 19, in the event that will define the champion of the organization's heavyweight tournament.
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