Gilbert Melendez Staying in Strikeforce But Dana White Promises He’ll Be Happy

Gilbert Melendez will get a top notch opponent for his next fight, but he will be remaining in Strikeforce for the foreseeable future.

The current Strikeforce lightweight champion last competed in December when he defeated Jorge Masvidal by unanimous decision.

It was Melendez’s third consecutive title defense in a row, and he is currently ranked No. 2 in the world in the lightweight divisional rankings behind only UFC champion Frankie Edgar.

Count UFC President Dana White as a fan of Melendez as well, but he will remain a star in Strikeforce. According to White however, Melendez and all the other top fighters in the promotion will be more than happy to stay there.

“Gilbert Melendez is in Strikeforce, that’s where he’s contracted, and that’s where he’s going to stay,” White said about the top lightweight in the promotion.

“I will dive into this thing and I will make it right. I will make the fighters who fight over there not worry about what’s going on in the UFC.”

White says that he is working on something for Melendez, but couldn’t divulge what it was currently. Melendez is doing his part to find out as well.

“I’m working on Melendez. Melendez is all over my ass,” White joked. “I think he’s a great fighter.”

The plan according to White is for him to have more control over the organization as he works along with Showtime to put together the best product possible.

The end result will be happier fighters, happier fans, and a better Strikeforce.

“I’m gaining more control over Strikeforce,” said White. “We’re going to have a lot of cool things happening over the next few weeks.”

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