Gilbert Melendez Wants to Prove He's No. 1

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Updated:: Mar 1, 2018
Original:: May 10, 2012

Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez will face Josh Thomson for the third time in less than two weeks in another title defense. However, "El Nino" still has his sights set on bigger and more important fights.

While UFC president Dana White has made it his mission to bring top contenders to face Melendez, the opportunity to compete inside the UFC's Octagon still drives Melendez.

"Money doesn't really mean nothing at this point; my money's good," said Melendez, in a recent interview with MMAWeekly.com. "I'm happy with my money. If (White) told me to come fight for the same price, I would do it. Either way, it's inevitable. I'm coming for all the 55-pounders and I really want to prove I'm No 1. Part of being No. 1 is beating everyone, every match-up. I think I can beat every style out there."

Melendez and Thomson have split their previous two fights. The bout will be the co-main event on the Showtime card, as the finals in the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix take the top billing.

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