Gilbert Melendez Will Fight on May 19, According to Cesar Gracie

One of the world's best lightweights (arguably the best) Gilbert Melendez is currently being held captive defending his title in the Strikeforce promotion.

As a result of the lack of depth in the Strikeforce 155lbs division and the absence of any true contender to his belt, Melendez only appeared in the cage twice last year, against respectable, but not top-ten competition. El Niño is understandably growing impatient with that pattern.

If he's not going to be pulled over to the UFC, Melendez at least wants to fight regularly against worthy competition. Though he hasn't gotten any official word on his opponent yet, rumor has it that Melendez will be appearing again in the cage at the next Strikeforce event, on May 19.

Melendez's manager Cesar Gracie revealed the news via Twitter, along with tossing out a couple of intriguing names from the UFC.

"Gil is fighting May 19," wrote Gracie. "I hope (B.J.) Penn or (Anthony) Pettis."

The as-yet-unnamed Strikeforce 40 is scheduled to take place on May 19 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California and will feature the conclusion of the heavyweight grand prix, as well as the likely debut of Nate Marquardt.

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