UFC on Fox 7, April 20: Henderson v Melendez

[ex carrabba fan]

http://www.mmafighting.com/2013/1/14/3875970/ufc-on-fox-7-targeted-for-benson-henderson-vs-gilbert-melendez

WOW

According to sources with knowledge of the situation, the UFC has its sights set on April 20's UFC on FOX 7 event to pair UFC lightweight titleholder Henderson against Strikeforce's last reigning divisional champion, Gilbert Melendez.

The event is likely to take place in Melendez's backyard, at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California, where he competed eight times while on the Strikeforce roster. That promotion went out of business after last Saturday night's event.

[Pappy Knuckles]

Re: UFC on Fox 7, April 20: Henderson v Melendez

I've always thought that Benson would handle Melendez if they ever fought. Gilbert's been the big dog for a while in Strikeforce for a while, I can't wait to see how he does against top notch competition.

[aholbert32]

Re: UFC on Fox 7, April 20: Henderson v Melendez

http://www.mmafighting.com/2013/1/14...lbert-melendez

WOW

Poor Pettis. He could KO Cerrone and still have to wait until late August to get a shot.

[ex carrabba fan]

Re: UFC on Fox 7, April 20: Henderson v Melendez

100% agree with you Pappy. I jumped off the Gil train but it's a smart move if this comes to fruition. Sucks for Pettis though, lol. If Pettis wins this month, he would have to wait until at least July or August to get his title shot. I still think this is the best idea though for the division.

Gil's wrestling could at least perhaps keep Benson from getting on top of him on the mat. Other than that I think Benson will tear him down standing. He's just a huge man for 155.

[jfRED33]

Re: UFC on Fox 7, April 20: Henderson v Melendez

Bendo all day. And I don't even see it being close.

Like someone said... Gil's been big fish in a small pond for quite a while now. And that's no knock on the guy! I will never discount his heart, toughness & skills. He's one of the top guys in the entire world at lightweight, no doubt about that. It's just that we can all agree Strikeforce's 155 lb. talent pool isn't anywhere near the UFC's.

I just think Bendo's game is on another level. He's improving on the daily: he's evolved his wrestling so it's perfectly suited for MMA now (plus a strong top game), his striking is only getting more multifaceted as we speak, and the approach he takes toward the art of combat will have him ahead of any opponent in terms of the mental aspect of the game, every time out (which I think plays a huge role during fights). Plus, since arriving in the UFC... he's just an entirely different beast than we watched compete in the WEC.

Not so sure Gil's evolved quite as much as Bendo has over the past year. And for all I know: I could be totally off-base and incorrect with all of my claims. Just a fan stating my opinion based off what I've seen. DEFINITELY looking forward to the scrap though, so all the debating over who's the better of the two can finally be put to rest.

[jeremym480]

Re: UFC on Fox 7, April 20: Henderson v Melendez

Man, poor Pettis is right.

I was hoping that Gil would at least have to fight a warm-up fight before getting a title shot. Oh well, if Hendricks can get screwed out of a title shot to someone who hasn't fought in a year and their last fight was a loss. Then, I guess anything is possible.

[aholbert32]

Re: UFC on Fox 7, April 20: Henderson v Melendez

Mir v. Cormier confirmed for the Fox card.

[aholbert32]

Re: UFC on Fox 7, April 20: Henderson v Melendez

Matt Brown v. Dan Hardy signed for this card.

[ex carrabba fan]

Re: UFC on Fox 7, April 20: Henderson v Melendez

Cormier! Glad they could agree on a date.

Depending on what happens with Cain, I can't wait to see who Cormier matches up with if he gets by Mir... which by all accounts I think he will and should.

If I'm Pettis, I'm like 'well what's a few more months??'. He had better take care of business first with Cowboy because I could see that fight going either way. Just depends on how smart Cowboy fights. But if Pettis handles business then just wait in the weeds for your shot. It'll be yours in the summer time.

[redsrule]

Re: UFC on Fox 7, April 20: Henderson v Melendez

Well Cormier called out Mir for this event then said after Jones beats Sonnen he wants him in the fall if he gets by Mir.

[ex carrabba fan]

Re: UFC on Fox 7, April 20: Henderson v Melendez

Well Cormier called out Mir for this event then said after Jones beats Sonnen he wants him in the fall if he gets by Mir.

Yeah but who really knows what Dana and company will do. I just don't think it makes sense to have a fight with Mir at heavyweight then to jump down to 205 after. I would rather have him fight either JDS or Overeem if they're available. If they're not, then go to 205.

Depending on what they do with Gus too, you just never know how things will play out. Whatever they do I'm assuming it will be an electric matchup so I'm excited.

[aholbert32]

Re: UFC on Fox 7, April 20: Henderson v Melendez

Yeah but who really knows what Dana and company will do. I just don't think it makes sense to have a fight with Mir at heavyweight then to jump down to 205 after. I would rather have him fight either JDS or Overeem if they're available. If they're not, then go to 205.

Depending on what they do with Gus too, you just never know how things will play out. Whatever they do I'm assuming it will be an electric matchup so I'm excited.

I doubt Cormier will jump straight into a title fight with Jones even if he destroys Mir. The line is too long in front of him (Hendo/Machida and Gus) and Cormier doesnt bring the TV ratings or PPV sales to hop the line like Sonnen does. Also I would be hesitant to give him a shot without first seeing of he can cut to 205 without any problems.

If he walks through Mir, give Cormier to Gus in the summer. Gus still hasnt proven that he can beat a top level wrestler so give him Cormier before he gets a shot.

[ex carrabba fan]

Re: UFC on Fox 7, April 20: Henderson v Melendez

The thing with Cormier.. If he is set on 205 and being in that division, I wish he would just take a fight at 205 instead of Mir. I don't see the point in him fighting Mir, unless it's just to get recognition from fans. Other than that I can't figure out why he is so stuck on making sure he fights Mir since it got cancelled. I guess he probably isn't too thrilled about making the cut right away, that could be a reason too.

But yeah I wouldn't mind him having to be in a title eliminator before a shot at Jones.

[bruudy]

Re: UFC on Fox 7, April 20: Henderson v Melendez

Not so sure Gil's evolved quite as much as Bendo has over the past year. And for all I know: I could be totally off-base and incorrect with all of my claims. Just a fan stating my opinion based off what I've seen.

[jfRED33]

Re: UFC on Fox 7, April 20: Henderson v Melendez

Not so sure Gil's evolved quite as much as Bendo has over the past year. And for all I know: I could be totally off-base and incorrect with all of my claims. Just a fan stating my opinion based off what I've seen.

Should have just quoted it, TBH.