Gilbert Melendez talks about 'fake Mexican' hoopla surrounding UFC 188's headliner

MEXICO CITY – Interim UFC heavyweight champ Fabricio Werdum thought it would be good promotion to take a shot at undisputed champ Cain Velasquez’s Mexican heritage in advance of their headliner at UFC 188.

Velasquez wasn’t amused. Now, the champ is giving the Brazilian the cold shoulder after being called a “fake Mexican.”

Still, the ploy has gotten people talking, among them two-time UFC lightweight title challenger Gilbert Melendez.

Like Velasquez, Melendez was born in the U.S., but his relatives are from Mexico. Still, he could see what Werdum was trying to do, and while he doesn’t agree with the moniker, he seems to take it with a grain of salt.

“Fabricio knows very good Spanish and I think he’s very in touch with the people out here,” Melendez (22-4 MMA, 1-2 UFC), who faces Eddie Alvarez (25-4 MMA, 0-1 UFC) in Saturday’s pay-per-view co-headliner at Mexico City Arena, said. “There’s no denying, Cain, his blood is Mexican. He’s from Mexico.”

Because of that, Melendez can’t help but be a little biased toward Velasquez when it comes to picking the winner of the fight.

“There hasn’t ever been a Mexican heavyweight champion in boxing or any other sport,” he said. “The baddest man in the world right now is a Mexican, and I think it’s going to stay that way.

“Because of him, the sport is getting more popular. Because of Cain, I get to come here, so I’m getting behind Cain. I really respect Werdum, (but) you’ve got to go with your culture.”

For more on UFC 188, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.