Benson Henderson vs Gilbert Melendez likely for UFC on FOX 7

[caleb_forrest_g]

Bendo UD

It looks like a champion vs. champion fight may be headed to the next major UFC on Fox show with UFC champion Benson Henderson defending his title against Strikeforce lightweight king Gilbert Melendez.
The fight has been proposed for UFC on Fox 7 in San Jose, Calif., on April 20, although no bout agreements have been issued or signed for the fight.
Sources close to the contest confirmed to MMAWeekly.com that verbal agreements are in place for the potential showdown with UFC officials currently working to finalize a deal. MMAFighting.com first reported the potential match-up on Monday.
UFC on Fox 7 is currently set to take place at San Jose’s HP Pavilion, an arena Strikeforce mainstay Gilbert Melendez is all too familiar with.
Melendez fought in and around San Jose for much of his career while competing with Strikeforce, but now that the promotion is no more, he will transfer to the UFC and it appears he will get a shot at the lightweight title on day one in the promotion.
2012 ended up being a banner year for UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson, who captured the belt to kick off the year and ended up defending it twice before signing a new eight-fight deal to start 2013.
Now Henderson looks to make a third consecutive title defense when facing Melendez in what should be the headline fight for UFC on Fox 7

[afterglow]

Benson is qonna get quite a bit of attention fighting for a second time in the main event on national tv.

I hope it's a good back and forth fight, but I think Gilbert is gonna get dominated.

[Rob_Floyd]

No complaints from me on this one.

[the_bigunit]

At least this clears a lot up. Being a big fan, for the most part, of Melendez I'm glad to see this. Is he head and shoulders above the rest of the contenders? No. But he doesn't deserve all the criticism he gets.

It'll be a good fight nonetheless.

[Will Munny]

Awesome fight.

[greathamza]

Really hope this turnes out to be a barn burner and i cant remember the last time i saw either Benson or Gil in a boring fight

[BobDigi5060]

Gilbert M will fight that much harder after seeing his buddy whooped. Anything can happen, but Bendo has all areas of this game covered. Emotions will be high and I expect a finish.

[dpw417]

Great fight.

[BobDigi5060]

Cormier v Mir too, can't wait!

[rekcutnevets]

if this is true! I've been wanting to see this fight for a while now.

[Francis75]

Henderson is better than Melendez in all areas imo. Better striking, BJJ and wrestling. Anyone disagree ?

[Flea Man]

Least it will finally show Gil' and his team he is nowhere near the best 155lber in the World.

[Heavy Handed]

I really like Bendo and Melendez. I support Melendez because he is from my hood. Heck, I probably partied with him back in the day and didn't even know it.

War Melendez!

[196osh]

Originally Posted by Francis75

Henderson is better than Melendez in all areas imo. Better striking, BJJ and wrestling. Anyone disagree ?

I Gil has better hands and as good offensive wrestling, nowhere near as good kicks.

[rekcutnevets]

Originally Posted by Francis75

Henderson is better than Melendez in all areas imo. Better striking, BJJ and wrestling. Anyone disagree ?

Henderson is bigger. Aside from that, I can't confidently say he is better in any area. Well, maybe wrestling. Both were collegiate wrestlers, but I think Henderson competed at a higher level.

Striking? Henderson has the edge in kicks, but I don't know if that will be enough. Melendez was able to out strike Masvidal. Many thought Masvidal deserved the decision against Daley, and he clearly got the better on Noons.

Both are brown belts, either could have been promoted to black without my knowing, in bjj. I don't think there is much advantage here for either fighter, but I would give a slight edge to Melendez here. Melendez is instructed by Cesar Gracie; and trains alongside Nick Diaz, Nate Diaz, and Jake Shields.

Melendez is one of only a few fighters that will be able to match Henderson's pace. I am really looking forward to this.

I see several potential scenarios. Henderson is too big, can control the range with his kicks, and can take Melendez down and maintain control long enough to win a convincing decision.

Melendez is able to defend the takedown, and get inside Henderson's kicking range. From there, Melendez batters Henderson.

A mixture of both, and we get a nail biting decision.