Gilbert "El Nino" Melendez wants to welcome Conor "Notorious" McGregor to the UFC's lightweight division.
While the Irish superstar is set to take on featherweight king Jose Aldo in July at UFC 189, a move to the lightweight division is already in his plans. When he decides to make the jump to 155 pounds, the former title contender, Melendez, would like to host a welcome party.
"The reason why it would be welcome to the lightweight division is it would make things interesting," Melendez told Fox Sports' Damon Martin. "I would love to lock horns with this guy. I'd be up for that."
Right now, McGregor is 5-0 in the UFC, with four victories via knockout. He's 17-2 overall, and he's previously held both the lightweight and featherweight titles for Cage Warriors Fighting Championship before coming to the UFC.
Melendez believes McGregor has the size to compete at lightweight, but he's unsure if he has the skills necessary to keep up with the world's best at 155.
"I don't know if he's ready for the top level at 155, but I believe he has the size to go into it," Melendez said. "He's a young kid and he's only going to get better. I could see him doing it."
Should McGregor get past Aldo on July 11 and decide to test himself at lightweight, Melendez makes for an interesting debut opponent on all levels.
El Nino has competed against MMA's best throughout his 12-year professional career, and he's well-rounded, durable and prepared for anything.
He's been stopped just once in 26 fights, most recently losing to current UFC champ Anthony "Showtime" Pettis via second-round submission at UFC 181.
While McGregor has looked practically invincible during his UFC run, there's no doubt Melendez could pose problems to his grinding, top-heavy style and all-around polished game. He'd provide a perfect opponent for Notorious' 155-pound debut, and should McGregor pass that test, he'd soon challenge for Pettis' strap.
For now, McGregor has the fight of his life right in front of him. Aldo is undefeated in his 15 fights under the WEC/UFC banner, and he's 25-1 overall as a professional mixed martial artist.
Furthermore, Aldo is perhaps the only 145-pound fighter with better stand-up skills than McGregor, making him an intriguing opponent in that aspect of the game.
Should McGregor get past him and capture the title, a move to lightweight will follow shortly behind. And when it does, Melendez will be waiting patiently.
