UnderGround Forum >> Gilbert Melendez camp considering move to FW.

http://mmajunkie.com/news/2012/12/gilbert-melendez-camp-considering-move-to-featherweight-negotiating-with-ufc


The outcome of Saturday's title fight between champ Benson Henderson and Nate Diaz will not only impact the UFC's lightweight division, but possibly its future featherweight class.

Diaz today revealed that Strikeforce lightweight champ Gilbert Melendez (21-2 MMA, 11-1 SF) is considering a run at featherweight if the title changes hands on Saturday night at UFC on FOX 5, which takes place at KeyArena in Seattle.

Melendez trainer Cesar Gracie also told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that the fighter is negotiating with the UFC on a possible new contract.

Diaz vs. Henderson serves on the event's FOX-televised main card, which follows prelims on FX and Facebook.

Gracie said Melendez, who currently is unable to fight due to a severe shoulder separation suffered in training for a scheduled Sept. 29 fight with Pat Healy, still has fights remaining on his Strikeforce contract, which was inked prior to the promotion's acquisition by UFC parent company Zuffa.

The trainer said negotiations are in the preliminary stages and stressed that nothing was finalized. He added that Melendez would likely stay at lightweight if Diaz is unsuccessful in his challenge of Henderson.

Diaz, meanwhile, said he could fight at lightweight or welterweight should Melendez migrate to the UFC.

"S--t don't go too well for this fight, and Gilbert Melendez is going to be champion for sure," Diaz said. "No doubt in my mind."

Gracie said Melendez is still recovering from the injury and was unsure on a timetable for the fighter's return. He most recently fought in May, when he defeated ex-champ Josh Thomson in a rubber match. He currently enjoys a seven-fight win streak.

Melendez repeatedly lobbied to cross over to the UFC when Strikeforce was acquired by Zuffa, but an agreement between Zuffa and Strikeforce broadcast partner Showtime nixed such a possibility. He was expected to fight on a Jan. 12 event, which is expected to be the final Strikeforce show, but had to again pull out due to his injury.

For more on UFC on FOX 5, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.