Michael Chandler Wants To Fight Gilbert Melendez In Bellator

Gilbert Melendez could well be looking for work outside the UFC, after negotiations between his management and UFC President Dana White seem to have fallen short. ‘El Nino’s’ contract has expired, and his bosses at Zuffa seem reluctant to re-sign him.

In my opinion, Melendez is one of the most exciting fighters at Lightweight and the UFC could do with dropping guys like Frank Mir who is winless in three years before dropping Gil because his manager is ‘GSP’s best friend’. Former Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler feels like there may be a home for ‘El Nino’ over at BFC, and would like to welcome him there:

Seeing this news about @GilbertMelendez has me excited. Who wants to see me welcome him to @BellatorMMA after I beat Eddie?

— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) February 13, 2014

The former Bellator 155 kingpin Chandler is 12-1 as a pro, with his only loss coming to current champion Eddie Alvarez. The two are being linked with a trilogy-making rubber match, and Melendez could well be an automatic contender if he does indeed leave the UFC.

Melendez put on a fight of the year candidate against Diego Sanchez at UFC 166, and came very close to beating Ben Henderson for the title in his promotional debut. Parting ways with the UFC on a bad note would not be the best outcome for ‘El Nino’, but by the looks of it he would have plenty of interesting bouts outside the biggest stage.