Gilbert Melendez Eyes UFC Fight With Benson Henderson

Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert "El Nino" Melendez

Melendez seeks champion vs champion fight

Gilbert Melendez has been king of lightweights in Strikeforce for quite some time, defeating every top challenger. Now with Strikeforce closing its doors, the champion has a new target: Benson Henderson.

In a interview with Bleacher Report, Melendez went on to state his case for a champion vs champion matchup.

"I want to fight Benson Henderson," Melendez told Bleacher Report. "I think a champion versus champion fight makes absolute sense right now. I think we already know how things are going to work out between Benson Henderson and a lot of other lightweight fighters in the UFC, but I'm that mystery fighter. No one really knows how I'm going to matchup with anyone. I have been around for a long time and have been the top lightweight in the world before Benson or any of these other guys.

Henderson is coming off a decisive win over Melendez's friend and teammate Nate Diaz at UFC on Fox 5. Following their fight, Diaz went on to vouch for "El Nino".

"He's got the most perfect record, beat all the best guys, and I think that he's the next guy in line," he said. "It's not my call, but if not, he's coming for him. Watch out."

Outside of former Bellator fighter Eddie Alvarez, Gilbert Melendez(21-2) has long been called the best lightweight not under the UFC banner. Now with the final Strikeforce card approaching and imminent arrival Melendez, it may be the time to to set up a true champion vs champion fight.

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