UFC lightweight Gilbert Melendez

By FCF Staff

Although Gilbert Melendez has come up short in his bid to become UFC lightweight champ so far, the veteran fighter is still confident he can defeat any 155’er on the planet.

Melendez is booked to fight Eddie Alvarez at UFC 188 on June 13th, following his submission loss to now former, champ, Anthony Pettis in December.

Recently the 32 year-old, former Strikeforce champion spoke to UFC.com about the upcoming bout, and while discussing his future, he stated:

“It’s all about timing in this sport. You start manifesting things and envisioning things, and for some reason it’s always worked out pretty well for me. I’ve fallen short on some ends, but I’ve never stopped pushing toward my goals. The way I see this going, I get a big win right here and I’m one or two wins away from getting another title shot. I think I’m one of the few people who can match up with anyone in this division. I have a style that can beat anyone in this game, but it’s all about timing. I’ll be ready for whoever the champ is when my time comes again.”

Melendez has gone 1-2 to date in the UFC, as “El Nino” was decisioned by former champ Benson Henderson in his Octagon debut, before he went on to score a UD win over Diego Sanchez in October, 2013.

Alvarez, on the other hand, as yet to fight again, after he was decisioned by Donald Cerrone in his UFC debut last September,

UFC 188 will take place in Mexico City, Mexico.