The UFC secured an elite asset with the re-signing of Gilbert Melendez and the fighter is relieved there’s no more uncertainty over his future.
“Just the fact that everything’s done, the contract’s done, all the business stuff is done and I can concentrate on what I want to do and that’s fight and get better as a mixed martial artist,” Melendez told UFC Central host Showdown Joe Ferraro.
Melendez came to terms on a new contract with the UFC late Sunday after the former Strikeforce lightweight champion agreed in principle to an offer sheet with rival promotion Bellator MMA.
As his management team negotiated with Bellator and the UFC, Melendez said it was in the back of his mind that his UFC career might be over, but added he was confident everything would work out in his favour.
“My family came first and my future came first so I was okay with everything,” Melendez said.
The UFC held matching rights and not only did Melendez get a lucrative new deal, but he was awarded a title shot and TUF 20 coaching spot opposite lightweight champion Anthony Pettis.
Gilbert Melendez discusses new contract, TUF 20 and title shot with Showdown Joe
The Santa Ana, Calif., native says he’s thrilled at the opportunity to be featured on the landmark MMA reality show.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” Melendez explained. “I want to be an ambassador to the sport and I want to be able to brand myself too and there’s no better place to do it than The Ultimate Fighter. I’ve always expressed to them that I was interested in doing that so it helped sweeten the deal.”
Filming for TUF 20 doesn’t begin until May, but Melendez added that fans can expect to see some of his high-profile “Scrap Pack” training partners assist him on the show.
“Jake Shields, Nick, Nate Diaz. Expect the crew out there. Expect some chaos. Expect a good time,” Melendez said.
There is set no date or location for Melendez’s title fight against Pettis, who is currently recovering from knee surgery, but the 31-year-old believes it’s his time to become champ.
“I think I match up great with [Pettis],” Melendez said. “He’s an aggressive fighter. I like that he comes to fight, which makes me excited because we’re both going to come to fight and we’re both coming to perform and we’re both coming to win. It’s going to make for good TV. I think I have an answer for everyone in the division. I think that’s what’s special about me. I think my experience in this sport and my maturity in this sport is going to go a long way in this fight.”
Melendez added that he’s also looking forward to helping the UFC grow mixed martial arts in Mexico and Latin America.
TUF 20 is scheduled to debut on Sept. 10.
