QUOTABLES: Gilbert Melendez thinks Jorge Masvidal most deserving Strikeforce opponent, ready for September return

By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

"I'm trying to be the number one lightweight in the world. To MMAWeekly I am and maybe to El Guapo (Bas Rutten) on HDNet I am, but to many others I'm number two, number three, number four, or number five, even. I really want to make that statement and the only way to do that is to go to the UFC and take the UFC title. Of course, I'd like that opportunity.... [But] if anyone in Strikeforce in my division [deserves a title shot, Jorge Masvidal] does. I've always thought he was good, I picked him to beat K.J. [Noons]. You know, everyone thought K.J. was gonna win, but I knew he was gonna beat K.5J. I think he's a tough guy and yeah man, I think he's a worthy opponent and I'd love to fight him... Judging by his fight in June [the fight could take place] in September. You know, late September. I know there's a mid-September card, I'll jump on that if they want, just give me a heads up and I'll be game."

-Strikeforce Lightweight Champion Gilbert Melendez talks to MMAWeekly.com about his willingness to fight Jorge Masvidal in Strikeforce, though he still wants his shot in the UFC.

Penick's Analysis: Masvidal is hoping that this fight gets put together, and with the top guns in the UFC all booked or awaiting a return from injury, this is the fight that now makes sense for Melendez if he's hoping to return to action by September. The Sept. 10 event is beginning to fill up, but adding this fight to the card would be excellent. I'm glad to see Melendez is all for it, but he still wants to get his opportunity to prove himself as the best in the world. If he can get past Masvidal, his next fight should be in the UFC, and depending on how some other fights play out his next fight could very well be for the UFC Lightweight Championship.

Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/Affliction2/article_9779.shtml

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