UFC on Fox 7, April 20: Henderson v Melendez

[ex carrabba fan]

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

WOW

Quote:

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]

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]

Quote: Originally Posted by ex carrabba fan

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]

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]

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]

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]

Mir v. Cormier confirmed for the Fox card.

[aholbert32]

Matt Brown v. Dan Hardy signed for this card.