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Gilbert Melendez camp considering move to featherweight, negotiating with UFC

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The outcome of Saturday's title fight between champ Benson Henderson and Nate Diaz will not only impact the UFC's lightweight division, but possibly its future featherweight class.

Diaz today revealed that Strikeforce lightweight champ Gilbert Melendez (21-2 MMA, 11-1 SF) is considering a run at featherweight if the title changes hands on Saturday night at UFC on FOX 5, which takes place at KeyArena in Seattle.

Melendez trainer Cesar Gracie also told MMAjunkie.com (MMAjunkie.com) that the fighter is negotiating with the UFC on a possible new contract.

Diaz vs. Henderson serves on the event's FOX-televised main card, which follows prelims on FX and Facebook.

Gracie said Melendez, who currently is unable to fight due to a severe shoulder separation suffered in training for a scheduled Sept. 29 fight with Pat Healy, still has fights remaining on his Strikeforce contract, which was inked prior to the promotion's acquisition by UFC parent company Zuffa.

The trainer said negotiations are in the preliminary stages and stressed that nothing was finalized. He added that Melendez would likely stay at lightweight if Diaz is unsuccessful in his challenge of Henderson.

Diaz, meanwhile, said he could fight at lightweight or welterweight should Melendez migrate to the UFC.

"S--t don't go too well for this fight, and Gilbert Melendez is going to be champion for sure," Diaz said. "No doubt in my mind."

Gracie said Melendez is still recovering from the injury and was unsure on a timetable for the fighter's return. He most recently fought in May, when he defeated ex-champ Josh Thomson in a rubber match. He currently enjoys a seven-fight win streak.

Melendez repeatedly lobbied to cross over to the UFC when Strikeforce was acquired by Zuffa, but an agreement between Zuffa and Strikeforce broadcast partner Showtime nixed such a possibility. He was expected to fight on a Jan. 12 event, which is expected to be the final Strikeforce show, but had to again pull out due to his injury.

Get smashed by Aldo or Frankie or get smashed by Bendo...the choice is yours Mr.Melendez

I've never really been too impressed with Melendez. He's an ok fighter but he definitely wasn't facing the caliber of fighters his counter parts in the ufc were and I think that'll show once he moves over.

This is interesting.

I've always thought Gil had a little bit of pudge on him that would possibly support a drop down, but it kinda feels as though this is just hype talk from the camp to support the idea that Nate will be the next LW champion. I'd be surprised if they maintain this talk if Bendo wins on Saturday night and think they'd revisit the thought of dropping if Gil drops a fight at LW.

To be honest, I'm much more interested to see Alvarez jump to the UFC. Despite his chin question marks, I think he's a superior fighter to Gil and is far more exciting....

Yes! We need new blood in the Featherweight Division!

I have also thought he looked kinda pudgy at 155. I wouldnt mind seeing him fight at 145. IMO he hasnt looked very good in his last 2 fights

If by chance Daiz is being trueful as he should know who is better Gilbert or Nate.

Is Cesar Gracie the best fight team in America? - Mixed Martial Arts News

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John Crouch, head trainer to Benson Henderson, offered the highest praise for Team Cesar Gracie, in an interview with BJPenn.com.

“I have complete confidence in Benson," said Crouch. "We’ve never gone into a fight where I thought we were going to lose. I totally believe Ben can finish the fight. With that being said, Nate Diaz and Cesar Gracie probably believe the same thing.

"Nate deserves this shot, that camp is severely underrated. Because they talk a little bit doesn’t hide the fact that they may be the best camp in the country if not the world. Their guys are tough, they always scrap and they are good everywhere. They have heart and I think my favorite part about them is their sense of team and their sense of community within their school.

"I am a huge fan of Cesar Gracie. With that being said we’re going to win on December 8th.”

So what do you think? Is Cesar Gracie the best team in the USA? Or the world? If not, who is better?

as much as i hate cesar gracie, the guy has a point...minus jake sheilds

The cut would be good for him. There are some pretty gigantic lightweights in the UFC. He'd have a hard time with guys like Henderson, or Maynard.

I think Gil would be a solid #2 at FW and possibly champ at LW. The only problem is that where ever Aldo is he will be #1.