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*[http://www.myspace.com/gilmelendez Gilbert Melendez' Myspace]
*[http://www.myspace.com/gilmelendez Gilbert Melendez' Myspace]
*[http://www.nokaut.com/?id=12&solo_news=596&lang=e&cur=eur December, 2006 Interview]
*[http://www.nokaut.com/?id=12&solo_news=596&lang=e&cur=eur December, 2006 Interview]
*[http://mma-freak.com/2013-series-top-10-mma-fights/ MMA Freak Best of 2013 Awards]


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Revision as of 08:56, 6 March 2014

Gilbert Melendez
Gilbert Melendez in 2009, at the weigh-in before the Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg event.
Born (1982-04-12) April 12, 1982 (age 42)
Santa Ana, California, United States
Other namesEl Niño
Gilbo
NationalityAmerican
Height5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Weight155 lb (70 kg; 11 st 1 lb)
DivisionLightweight
Reach71 in (180 cm)
Fighting out ofSan Francisco, California
TeamCesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
El Niño Sports
Fairtex Gym
Rank  black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Years active2002 – present
Mixed martial arts record
Total25
Wins22
By knockout11
By submission1
By decision10
Losses3
By decision3
Amateur record
Total2
Wins2
Other information
Websitehttp://www.gilbertmelendez.com/
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
Last updated on: April 18, 2010

Gilbert Q. Melendez (born April 12, 1982) is an American mixed martial artist in the lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) . He is a two-time Strikeforce Lightweight Champion and is also a former WEC Lightweight Champion. He formerly competed in the lightweight division of PRIDE Fighting Championships, Shooto, and at the Yarennoka! event. As of February 17, 2014, he is #2 in official UFC lightweight rankings, #13 pound-for-pound[1], ranked the #3 lightweight in the world by Sherdog[2] and ranked #2 by MMA Freak.com.

Background

Melendez, a Mexican-American, is from Santa Ana, California, and wrestled during high school. Melendez always enjoyed combat sports and competition, but did not start training in MMA until after college when he was introduced to the sport by his good friend and MMA fighter Jake Shields. Melendez attended San Francisco State University and was studying in liberal arts, he anticipated becoming a teacher but did not finish his college education and get a degree, on account of training for MMA and working outside of college. He has stated that someday he plans on finishing his college education. Before becoming a professional fighter, he worked as a waiter and he also had a job at a Fairtex gear shop, which would later be one of his sponsors.

Mixed martial arts career

Melendez made his debut in the pre-Zuffa World Extreme Cagefighting and started off his career dominating his opponents, winning his first three career fights all by knockout due to punches before receiving an opportunity to fight for the first WEC Lightweight Championship against fan-favorite Olaf Alfonso at WEC 10. Melendez won the bout by TKO due to punches and became the first WEC Lightweight Champion. Two fights later, Melendez, still undefeated, made his debut in Japan's Shooto against Hiroyuki Takaya, which Melendez won by unanimous decision. He followed this up with two more TKO wins in Shooto to bring his record to 8-0 before making his Strikeforce debut against Harris Sarmiento, which Melendez won after his opponent tapped out due to punches received.

Melendez won the Strikeforce Lightweight Championship from future UFC veteran Clay Guida by a split decision on June 9, 2006.

Melendez then made his debut in PRIDE FC at Pride Bushido 12, winning by unanimous decision. In his next fight for the organization he faced then Shooto Lightweight Champion Tatsuya Kawajiri. Melendez won again by unanimous decision. He returned to Strikeforce to fight Tetsuji Kato in a non-title bout, and won his third straight fight by a unanimous decision.

Melendez then faced Mitsuhiro Ishida at the Yarennoka! event on New Year's Eve in 2007 at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan. Melendez received his first career loss against the Japanese fighter by unanimous decision.

Melendez held the Strikeforce Lightweight Championship belt for two years before losing it on June 27, 2008 to Josh Thomson by unanimous decision (50–45, 50–45, 50–45) at Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Thomson.

On August 15, 2009, Melendez was again set to rematch Josh Thomson at Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg but Thomson was not cleared to fight, due to lingering problems with his leg. Mitsuhiro Ishida was selected to replace Thomson in what became Melendez' first Interim title defense.

On December 19, 2009, Melendez fought Josh Thomson to unify the Strikeforce Lightweight Championship belts.[3] Melendez won the fight via unanimous decision to become the Strikeforce Lightweight Champion. With the win he also avenged the second of his only two losses to date.

Melendez successfully defended the Strikeforce Lightweight Championship against current DREAM Lightweight Champion and former Shooto Middleweight Champion Shinya Aoki on April 17, 2010.[4]

A rematch between Melendez and Tatsuya Kawajiri took take place on April 9, 2011 at Strikeforce 33 in April.[5] Melendez dominated his opponent showing excellent striking, knocking down Kawajiri with a right hand near the beginning of the fight. Melendez then again knocked down Kawajiri with a combination of knees to the body and a right hook followed by a right uppercut. The beginning of the end came when Melendez sprawled one of Kawajiri's takedowns and then began landing short left hands which knocked Kawajiri down into half-guard where Melendez began landing vicious right elbows before the referee stopped the fight declaring Melendez the winner by TKO 3:14 into the first round.

Melendez faced Jorge Masvidal next. UFC president Dana White briefly put the bout in question when he revealed to reporters that he was working to bring Melendez into the UFC fold "ASAP" with the possibility of Melendez entering with an immediate shot at the belt.[6] Melendez eventually defended his title against challenger Jorge Masvidal at Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Melendez took on Josh Thomson in a rubber match for the Strikeforce Lightweight Championship at Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Cormier in San Jose, California on May 19, 2012. He won the fight via split decision. Fans did not agree with the decision and Josh Thomson was visibly disappointed by the decision. Booing immediately followed the decision and continuously throughout Melendez's post fight interview. Thomson, although not pleased with the decision, showed class in defeat by asking the crowd to stop booing and support the local fighter.

Melendez was expected to face Pat Healy for the Strikeforce Lightweight Championship on September 29, 2012 in Sacramento, California. It was announced on September 22, 2012 that Melendez suffered an injury and had to withdraw from the fight. Due to Melendez' injury, Showtime opted not to air the card without the main event, thus causing Strikeforce to cancel the card becoming the second MMA card cancelled within a month under the Zuffa organization.[7]

The bout with Healy was recheduled for January 12, 2013 at Strikeforce: Marquardt vs. Saffiedine, but again, Melendez pulled out of the bout citing a shoulder injury.[8]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

The Strikeforce promotion was dissolved into the UFC by parent company Zuffa on January 12, 2013. Melendez received an immediate UFC title shot and made his promotional debut against Benson Henderson on April 20, 2013 at UFC on Fox 7.[9] Melendez lost a split decision in a closely contested bout.[10]

In his second UFC fight, Melendez faced Diego Sanchez on October 19, 2013 at UFC 166.[11] He won the fight via unanimous decision. The win also earned him his first Fight of the Night award.[12] On UFC.com Joe Rogan called the brawl between Melendez and Sanchez the best he's ever seen.

Melendez was scheduled to face Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 170.[13] However, the fight was later cancelled due to undisclosed reasons.[14]

After being negotiating with the UFC for his new contract, rumors came out that Melendez maybe would sign with Bellator.[15][16] In the process, Melendez also got an offer from WSOF.[17] He then signed a contract with Bellator, but the UFC had the right to match their offer.[18] Melendez then got a new offer and re-signed with the UFC and was announced as a coach of The Ultimate Fighter 20 against Anthony Pettis.[19][20]

Personal life

Melendez and his girlfriend Keri Anne [21] have a daughter born August 8, 2010.[22][23]

Film and television

Melendez starred alongside teammates Jake Shields and the Diaz brothers in the mixed martial arts documentary Fight Life, the film is directed by independent filmmaker James Z. Feng and produced by RiLL Films, it was released in the summer of 2011.[24]

Championships and accomplishments

  • MMAFighting
    • 2006 Lightweight of the Year

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
26 matches 23 wins 3 losses
By knockout 11 0
By submission 1 0
By decision 11 3
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 22–3 Diego Sanchez Decision (unanimous) UFC 166: Velasquez vs. Dos Santos III October 19, 2013 3 5:00 Houston, Texas, United States Fight of the Night
Loss 21–3 Benson Henderson Decision (split) UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Melendez April 20, 2013 5 5:00 San Jose, California, United States For UFC Lightweight Championship
Win 21–2 Josh Thomson Decision (split) Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Cormier May 19, 2012 5 5:00 San Jose, California, United States Defended Strikeforce Lightweight Championship
Win 20–2 Jorge Masvidal Decision (unanimous) Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal December 17, 2011 5 5:00 San Diego, California, United States Defended Strikeforce Lightweight Championship
Win 19–2 Tatsuya Kawajiri TKO (elbows) Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley April 9, 2011 1 3:14 San Diego, California, United States Defended Strikeforce Lightweight Championship
Win 18–2 Shinya Aoki Decision (unanimous) Strikeforce: Nashville April 17, 2010 5 5:00 Nashville, Tennessee, United States Defended Strikeforce Lightweight Championship
Win 17–2 Josh Thomson Decision (unanimous) Strikeforce: Evolution December 19, 2009 5 5:00 San Jose, California, United States Unified Strikeforce Lightweight Championship
Win 16–2 Mitsuhiro Ishida TKO (punches) Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg August 15, 2009 3 3:56 San Jose, California, United States Defended Interim Strikeforce Lightweight Championship
Win 15–2 Rodrigo Damm KO (punches) Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Diaz April 11, 2009 2 2:02 San Jose, California, United States Won Interim Strikeforce Lightweight Championship
Loss 14–2 Josh Thomson Decision (unanimous) Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Thomson June 27, 2008 5 5:00 San Jose, California, United States Lost Strikeforce Lightweight Championship
Win 14–1 Gabe Lemley TKO (punches) Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Le March 29, 2008 2 2:18 San Jose, California, United States Defended Strikeforce Lightweight Championship
Loss 13–1 Mitsuhiro Ishida Decision (unanimous) Yarennoka! December 31, 2007 2 5:00 Saitama, Saitama, Japan
Win 13–0 Tetsuji Kato Decision (unanimous) Strikeforce: Playboy Mansion September 29, 2007 3 5:00 Beverly Hills, California, United States Non-title bout
Win 12–0 Tatsuya Kawajiri Decision (unanimous) Pride Shockwave 2006 December 31, 2006 2 5:00 Saitama, Saitama, Japan
Win 11–0 Nobuhiro Obiya Decision (unanimous) Pride Bushido 12 August 26, 2006 2 5:00 Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
Win 10–0 Clay Guida Decision (split) Strikeforce: Revenge June 9, 2006 5 5:00 San Jose, California, United States Won Strikeforce Lightweight Championship
Win 9–0 Harris Sarmiento Submission (punches) Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Gracie March 10, 2006 2 0:44 San Jose, California, United States
Win 8–0 Rumina Sato TKO (doctor stoppage) Shooto: Alive Road August 20, 2005 1 1:32 Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan Shooto Lightweight (143 lb) bout.
Win 7–0 Naoya Uematsu TKO (doctor stoppage) Shooto 2005: 5/4 in Korakuen Hall May 4, 2005 2 4:30 Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan Shooto Lightweight (143 lb) bout.
Win 6–0 Hiroyuki Takaya Decision (unanimous) Shooto 2004: Year-End Show December 14, 2004 3 5:00 Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan Shooto Lightweight (143 lb) bout.
Win 5–0 Kaynan Kaku TKO (punches) Rumble on the Rock 6 November 20, 2004 2 3:58 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Win 4–0 Olaf Alfonso KO (punches) WEC 10 May 21, 2004 3 4:54 Lemoore, California, United States Won inaugural WEC Lightweight Championship
Win 3–0 Stephen Palling TKO (punches) Rumble on the Rock 4 October 10, 2003 2 4:59 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Win 2–0 Jeff Hougland KO (punches) WEC 6 March 27, 2003 2 2:05 Lemoore, California, United States
Win 1–0 Greg Quan KO (punches) WEC 5 October 18, 2002 1 4:37 Lemoore, California, United States

See also

References

  1. ^ UFC Fighter Rankings
  2. ^ "Sherdog Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings". Sherdog.com. 2014-01-05.
  3. ^ "http://www.fiveknuckles.com/mma-news/Gilbert-Melendez-vs-Josh-Thomson-confirmed-for-Strikeforce-Evolution-on-Dec-19.html". FiveKnuckles.com. Retrieved December 1, 2009. {{cite web}}: External link in |title= (help)
  4. ^ "Aoki-Melendez Signed for April 17 Strikeforce". sherdog.com. Retrieved 2010-03-01.
  5. ^ "Nick Diaz and Gilbert Melendez Defend April 9". sports.yahoo.com.com. 2011-03-01.
  6. ^ "mmafighting.com".
  7. ^ Gene Mrosko (2012-09-24). "Gilbert Melendez injured, Strikeforce cancels Sept. 29 event in Sacramento". mmamania.com. Retrieved 2012-09-24.
  8. ^ Damon Martin (2012-11-27). "Gilbert Melendez Out; Jorge Masvidal vs. Pat Healy Likely for Final Strikeforce Show". mmaweekly.com. Retrieved 2012-11-27.
  9. ^ Mike Chiapetta (2013-01-14). "UFC on FOX 7 targeted for Benson Henderson vs. Gilbert Melendez lightweight title fight". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2013-01-14.
  10. ^ "UFC's Gilbert Melendez says he took 'foot off the gas' but thought he still won the fight three rounds to two". mmajunkie.com. April 21, 2012.
  11. ^ Staff (July 4, 2013). "Gilbert Melendez vs. Diego Sanchez added to UFC 166 in Houston". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved July 4, 2013.
  12. ^ Staff. "UFC 166 bonuses: Melendez, Sanchez, Dodson and Ferguson win $60,000". MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved 2013-10-20.
  13. ^ Matt Erickson. "Gilbert Melendez meets Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 170". MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved 2013-12-29.
  14. ^ Mike Chiappetta. "Gilbert Melendez vs Khabib Nurmagomedov UFC 170 pairing scrapped". Foxsports.com. Retrieved 2014-01-03.
  15. ^ "Bellator pulls stunner, sings top lightweight Gilbert Melendez". sports.yahoo.com. 2014-02-14.
  16. ^ "Gilbert Melendez agrees to terms with Bellator, may leave UFC". bleacherreport.com. 2014-02-14.
  17. ^ "Gilbert Melendez in contract dispute with UFC, WSOF offers him way out". cagepages.com. 2014-02-14.
  18. ^ "Bellator agrees to terms with Gilbert Melendez, UFC holds right to match offer". mmafighting.com. 2014-02-14.
  19. ^ "Melendez Signs With UFC; Set to Coach TUF 20 vs Pettis". TopMMANews.com. Retrieved 2014-02-23.
  20. ^ "UFC matches Bellator offer, re-signs Gilbert Melendez". mmafighting.com. 2014-02-23.
  21. ^ "Keri Anne Taylor is MMA Gilbert Melendez's Girlfriend". fabwags.com. Retrieved 2013. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  22. ^ "FIGHT! Life: Gilbert Melendez - Baby Girl (VIDEO)". Fightmagazine.com. 2010-04-13. Retrieved 2010-04-14.
  23. ^ "Is there such a thing as a PPV blackout based on region?". FIGHTOPINION.com. 2010-08-09. Retrieved 2010-11-24.
  24. ^ Fight Life: MMA Documentary
  25. ^ SHERDOG.COM STAFF. "SHERDOG.COM'S POUND-FOR-POUND TOP 10". Sherdog.com. Retrieved 2014-01-05.
  26. ^ Meltzer, Dave (January 27, 2014). "Jan 27 2014 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2013 Annual awards issue, best in the world in numerous categories, plus all the news in pro-wrestling and MMA over the past week and more". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Campbell, California: 22. ISSN 1083-9593.
Awards and achievements
New championship 1st WEC Lightweight Champion
May 21, 2004 – October 21, 2004 		Vacant
Melendez left WEC
Title next held by
Gabe Ruediger
Preceded by 2nd Strikeforce Lightweight Champion
June 9, 2006 – June 27, 2008 		Succeeded by
New championship 1st Strikeforce Interim Lightweight Champion
April 11, 2009 – December 19, 2009 		Vacant
Preceded by 4th and final Strikeforce Lightweight Champion
December 19, 2009 – January 12, 2013 		Vacant
Strikeforce banner dissolved into UFC

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