UFC
Gilbert Melendez contemplating move to featherweight if Nate Diaz captures UFC Lightweight Title
Dec 6, 2012 - 6:25:10 PM Gilbert Melendez contemplating move to featherweight if Nate Diaz captures UFC Lightweight Title

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

The outcome of Saturday night's UFC on Fox 5 main event between Benson Henderson and Nate Diaz is going to likely determine the future of Strikeforce Lightweight Champion Gilbert Melendez as well.

Melendez, a teammate and friend of Diaz, is likely to enter the UFC next year as Strikeforce comes to a close. But if Diaz captures the UFC Lightweight Championship against Henderson on Saturday, it may prompt a move out of the division for Melendez.

Both Diaz and Melendez have made it clear in the past that they would not fight each other. They've been steadfast in that contention, and Diaz said during Wednesday's open workouts that Melendez is considering a drop to the featherweight division if he's able to capture the title. However, he added that Melendez will come into the lightweight division if things don't go well for him on Saturday.

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

Penick's Analysis: Whichever division he enters, Melendez will be amongst the top fighters in that field. Fans have wanted to see him against UFC lightweights for a long time, but he'd rather drop down and go after the Featherweight Title if Diaz is holding the belt. That's his prerogative, and if it's what he chooses to do, that's what he'll do.