Gilbert “El Nino” Melendez took yet another step towards his goal to be recognized as the world’s top lightweight on Saturday night when he defeated Jorge Masvidal to keep his lightweight title.
“I think everyone thought that [Masvidal] had an edge in the standup, and I was eager to prove everyone wrong,” Melendez told Showtime Sports following his win.
“Some things in training camp didn’t allow me to do as much wrestling as I wanted to, so I knew I would have to strike with him,” said Melendez. “I think that [Masvidal] is the toughest striker I could fight at [lightweight], and I think I might be the best striker in the 155-pound division.”
Melendez continued, “He reacted well. He’s a long, tall guy, and he reacts fast. I knew he was working hard on his takedown defense. He likes to sprawl and brawl and keep it on his feet. That’s where he feels he’s best, and that’s the toughest matchup for me. I’m kind of the same. I’m a sprawl-and-brawler.”
“Usually [if I fight] a guy who is a better striker, I’m going to take him down, and if he’s a better wrestler, I’m going to sprawl him out,” Melendez stated. “This guy was tough to take down. Ideally, it would have been nice to put him on his back, but things were going well on my feet. I didn’t think I needed to force it. I kept running with it, and things were going well.”
Believed to be on the fast track to the Octagon and a potential showdown with lightweight title-holder Frankie Edgar, it was announced this week that Melendez will remain in Strikeforce, and wait for a new challenger.
Melendez now has hopes to bring UFC’s best to the Strikeforce hexagon.
“We’ll see [what’s next for me]. That’s on Strikeforce and Showtime and the UFC. I’d like to bring some top contenders here from the UFC. K.J. Noons looked great today and looks like the No. 1 [contender in the Strikeforce lightweight] division.
Melendez concluded, “I have faith that Strikeforce and Showtime will bring me someone tough to continue to prove myself in the sport. I’m very proud of my performance, and I’m looking forward to my next challenge.”
