Gilbert Melendez Making First ‘Uncrowned’ Title Defense This Weekend

“I’m looking to make a statement here. I’m looking to make my first uncrowned title defense and really make a statement. I think Diego is a great fighter but me being at my best I think I can make a statement with a dominant performance.”

“I think he’s a great fighter, honestly. I think he’s a pioneer in this sport for sure and he brings a lot of honor, courage and heart into the cage and that goes a long way in the sport. 90-percent of it is that mental stuff everyone talks about. And if there is anything that he has, it is that. Technique-wise, he has something everywhere. He’s a good wrestler, great grappler and not that he’s weak at striking, I just think that’s the least of his things, that’s third. Grappling, wrestling and then striking. He’s a good MMA fighter, he’s good everywhere but I am confident in my skills and I think I’m great. I think he’s good and I think I’m great.”

The storm is coming!

Gilbert ‘El Nino’ Melendez has crowned himself the official uncrowned champion of the UFC’s lightweight division.

The Cesar Gracie trained Californian is set to face Diego Sanchez this weekend on the pay-per-view portion of UFC 166.

(quote via sherdog.com)