Melendez’s migration to the UFC now looks inevitable. Whether or not he’s gifted a warm up bout once signing with the promotion remains to be seen. However, if there’s any lightweight competing outside of the UFC today that doesn’t need any form of tune up fight to shine, it’s Gilbert Melendez. This kid hasn’t lost in nearly four years, improves with every bout and has taken on the tendency to deliver crowd pleasing stand up wars. From a business standpoint, Gilbert “El Nino” Melendez is a promoters dream. Here’s hoping Dana White brings the dream into the octagon so that he might be afforded the chance to create many a nightmare for potential foes.

Strikeforce champions Alistair Overeem, Nick Diaz and now Dan Henderson have all traveled to the UFC to compete with the sports best; it’s time for Gilbert Melendez to receive his golden ticket, he's more than earned it.

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