Gilbert Melendez is legit.
With good boxing, a hard-nosed approach to the fight game and the ability to exchange in close quarters, he's as good as a contender can be.
But opposite a polarizing champion and in-cage whirlwind like Anthony "Showtime" Pettis, Melendez needs to be extra special when the two meet this weekend at UFC 181.
Slightly overshadowed by the welterweight rematch between champion Johny Hendricks and top-threat Robbie Lawler, Pettis and Melendez have a chance to steal the show.
And with explosive striking and long-lasting cardio they could turn in one of the best fights of 2014.
It's going to be up to Melendez to close the gap on the feet, limit Pettis' offense and inflict damage early to make this the unforgettable collision everyone is hoping it will be.
Here are the keys to victory for each fighter as we enter Saturday's titanic co-main event:
Keys to victory for Pettis
Stay away from the cage
Pettis is at his best when he's in the middle of the Octagon and timing his strikes.
The second his back goes to the cage Melendez is going to benefit and make up for a loss in quickness.
That's why Showtime needs to implement some worthwhile combinations on-the-go and potentially time a knee when Melendez moves in.
The champ has excellent balance and the scrambling ability to push off the cage and bring the fight back to the epicenter, but he needs to do damage in the process or Melendez will dictate this fight.
Implement early body kicks
Well-known for a nasty kick game, Pettis is always one liver strike away from dropping opponents like Donald Cerrone.
For him to get in a groove early and let Melendez know he means business, landing one or two solid body kicks will do wonders for his cause.
It could be a good way for Melendez to close the distance and shoot for a takedown, so Pettis must be diligent in his attacks.
If his kicks find their home early then it could be all she wrote.
Keys to victory for Melendez
Come out aggressive
Like many other fighters who strike with precision and time their attacks, Pettis is better as the fight draws on.
In order for Melendez to throw him through a loop and delay his in-fight comfort level, he needs to come out aggressive.
As an in-your-face lightweight who is no stranger to pushing the pace, this shouldn't be too difficult of a task for the former Strikeforce kingpin. But he must be willing to eat some punches in order to land his own.
Needless to say, he better bring his chin come Saturday night.
Gain leverage inside
As it was alluded to before, Pettis is more than likely going to try to keep this fight in the middle of the cage.
Can Melendez finish Pettis?
It gives him the best area to work in, whether it be his circus-like kicks or timely offensive output.
Knowing this, Melendez has to be willing to fight his way through the champ's iron-clad defense and wiggle inside. It's really the only way he's going to be able to catch Pettis and exchange in succession.
Not to mention he can score valuable points in the process and potentially set up a takedown.
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