Report: Gilbert Melendez vs. Edson Barboza Targeted For UFC Chicago
According to Combate, an intriguing lightweight showdown could be taking place this summer.
The report indicates that the UFC is targeting a bout between former Strikeforce champion Gilbert “El Nino” Melendez and dangerous Muay Thai striker Edson “Junior” Barboza for UFC on FOX 20 which is slated for July 23, 2016 from Chicago, Illinois.
Melendez, a former two-time UFC title challenger, is only 1-3 in his Octagon career, coming up short in both attempts at divisional supremacy. “El Nino” hasn’t competed since a June 2015 split-decision loss to current title challenger Eddie Alvarez in Mexico.
After the bout with Alvarez, it was made clear that Melendez had tested positive for performance-enhancing-drugs (PEDs), leading the promotion to hand him a one-year suspension.
Barboza, on the other hand, is coming off of the biggest victory of his career, as he recently battered former champion Anthony Pettis at April 23’s UFC 197 to earn an impressive unanimous decision victory.
“Junior” is one of the most lethal strikers in the 155-pound weight class, and he should provide an intriguing test to see where Melendez is at after the time off.
For Melendez, this bout would be a chance to prove that he still ranks amongst the division’s elite.
Stay tuned as more news becomes available regarding UFC on FOX 20.
