Gilbert Melendez (photo via UFC)

By FCF Staff

Although Gilbert Melendez has lost two of his last three fights, the lightweight contender believes a win over Edson Barboza tonight will put him in an interesting position, in terms of  calling for a title shot.

Melendez will be fighting for the first time since he was defeated by new reigning champ, Eddie Alvarez last June. Since the latter won the tightly contested bout via split decision, however, Melendez recently told UFC.com the following:

“Absolutely, we’ve got a very compelling storyline when I win this fight,” said Melendez, while discussing the possibility of rematching the champion. “Eddie and I had a very close fight, but if you looked at our faces after the fight, we know who took more damage and who landed the more devastating strikes. So it makes things interesting, and the whole division is very interesting, to be honest. The belt is changing hands constantly, and it’s hard to defend the throne.”

Alvarez secured the lightweight crown earlier this month, by taking out Rafael dos Anjos in the first round. Melendez, is coming back from a one year suspension, after he failed a drug test last summer.

UFC on FOX 20 will be hosted by the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.