Nate Diaz Says There Is No One Better Than Gilbert Melendez at 155 Pounds

Nate Diaz might have cemented his status as the No. 1 lightweight contender with his recent victory over Jim Miller, but he doesn't consider himself to be the best fighter currently competing at 155 pounds.

Gilbert Melendez, who holds the Strikeforce lightweight title, is a frequent training partner of Diaz's, and the Stockton, Calif., native believes Melendez is the best 155-pound fighter.

"These are guys I look up to. Me and Gil been battling it out in here for years. There’s no one better than him," Diaz told Sherdog.com. "There’s no doubt in my mind he’s the best 155'er on the planet and I think he deserves to be right there in the UFC holding the UFC belt. He’s the man."

Melendez has long been rumored to test his skills in the UFC, but contract disputes have prevented him from making the transition.

"El Nino" is expected to defend the lightweight title in a trilogy bout against Josh Thomson on May 19. Should he successfully defend his title, it is unknown if and when Melendez will come to the UFC.

Alongside Bellator's Eddie Alvarez,  most critics would agree Melendez is arguably considered the best 155-pound fighter outside of the UFC momentarily. There is barely any competition for Melendez to face and the 30-year-old is one of the few fighters who hasn't been acquired by the UFC.

As for Diaz, his win over Jim Miller has earned him the next title shot at the UFC lightweight title. Should he decide to sit out and wait, he will challenge either Benson Henderson or Frankie Edgar, who are set to headline UFC 150 in August.