The UFC has released former lightweight title contender Gilbert Melendez, according to ESPN.
Before he joined the UFC, Melendez was a Strikeforce champion, having defeated big names like Jorge Masvidal and Shinya Aoki during his time with the promotion. After the UFC absorbed Strikeforce, Melendez was first given a title shot against Benson Henderson (which he lost in a controversial decision), then later against Anthony Pettis (which he lost via choke).
Despite being a two-time title contender, Melendez’s time with the UFC was marred by further losses, with the exception being an exciting match with Diego Sanchez that he won by decision in 2013. After losing five straight fights, the most recent one being in July, Sanchez was let go by the promotion.
No word yet on the future of Melendez’s fight career, whether he’ll be retiring or trying to move on to another promotion. Given that he’s a BJJ black belt (and recently stopped in to train at Renzo Gracie Academy), we also shouldn’t count him out of changing course and competing strictly in grappling, as many fighters have chosen to do recently.
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