Gilbert Melendez (photo via UFC)

By FCF Staff

Although Gilbert Melendez has gone 1-4 in the UFC to date, the former Strikeforce champ is “proud” of how he’s performed in the Octagon.

Melendez joined the UFC in 2013, and proceeded to drop a split decision to Benson Henderson. Melendez (22-7) rebounded with a decision victory over Diego Sanchez, but since then, the veteran has lost four in a row.

Ahead of Melendez’s fight Saturday with Arnold Allen, the 37-year-old “El Nino” had this to say about his UFC run (quote via MMA Junkie):

“My record says one thing, but let’s be honest,” Melendez said. “I fought Benson Henderson, I think I beat him. I beat Diego (Sanchez) after that. Yes, I lost to (Anthony) Pettis, and then I fought Eddie (Alvarez). I think I beat Eddie, too. I had it tough with (Edson) Barboza and I had it tough with Jeremy Stephens. I don’t think my record really says it, but I’m also fighting, and I’m not getting knocked out. I’m going the distance with some of the best. Pettis is the only guy who’s ever finished me. I’m proud of what I’ve done.”

The 25-year-old Allen (14-1), meanwhile, is coming off a decision win over Jordan Rinaldi and has gone 5-0 in the Octagon to date.