Former UFC title challenger Gilbert Melendez has yet to finish.
“El Niño” has not played since his fight with Arnold Allen at UFC 239 in July 2019. In that game, Melendez lost by unanimous decision. The loss was the former title challenger’s fifth in a row.
A few months after the loss, the 40-year-old was released from the UFC. On top of that, after his release, Melendez was suspended by the US Anti-Doping Agency for two years. A two-year hiatus ended earlier this summer, however, the former Strikeforce champ is not back. In fact, Gilbert Melendez did not and did not sign with the promotion. Still, the former UFC title challenger is not retiring and is interested in fighting again. Melendez discusses a possible return in an interview with MMAJunkie. Advertising – Continue reading below
In the interview, the 40-year-old made it clear that he knew he was no longer in his prime. However, the fighting spirit that has accompanied him throughout his career remains. If the right opportunity arises, Melendez will seize it.
As for the right opportunity, he wasn’t sure where. However, Melendez is willing to fight for Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Eagles. He is also open to joining forces with former promoter Scott Coker to return to Bellator.
“I will always be a fighter and I will try to be as optimal as possible. I know I am continuing as a professional fighter. I am no longer Focus on being a professional boxer. I focus on my gym and developing athletes and getting in shape. But, of course, it’s hard to completely hang up on it. If there’s a good chance out there and it’s the right fight, I don’t Love fighting young guys who want to hold on and move and kick and run, but I do love fighting and I’m definitely drawn back. I have that fight inside.”
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Gilbert Melendez continued, “I love to fight, if I’m going to fight [again]… Eagle FC, great organization. I think if anyone’s promoted really well Me, that’s Scott Kirk. I’m even interested in boxing, and some of that stuff really interests me. And I’m definitely hungry.”
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This article was first published on BJPENN.COM )
