Strikeforce Champ Melendez May Get Immediate Title Shot

Gilbert Melendez

Strikeforce champ could meet winner of Edgar vs. Maynard

HOUSTON – Gilbert Melendez’s long-awaited jump to the UFC is coming, and it’s coming soon.

UFC President Dana White confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that he’s considering bringing Melendez into the world’s top mixed martial arts promotion sooner rather than later. Melendez was scheduled to face Jorge Masvidal on a Dec. 17 Strikeforce card, but White says he may pull Melendez into the fold before that happens.

“I’ve got to run my business, so if I have to yank him over here, I’ll do it,” White said following the post-fight press conference.

White told HeavyMMA.com that Melendez may be in line for an immediate title shot in the clouded UFC lightweight division.

“There are a couple of different things we could do. Melendez could come over here and fight for the title. But I hate to do that to guys, because everyone who comes over and fights for the UFC for the first time, they have a first tough fight and they have to get those jitters out,” White said. “That division is so stacked and there are so many people right at that top level, we need to figure it out. We’re going to figure out what we’ll do after the fight on Saturday.”