Gilbert Melendez and 4 Fights He Can Take to Start His UFC Career

Gilbert Melendez might be the next Strikeforce champion to go over to the UFC.

Melendez is sandwiched between Gray Maynard and Frankie Edgar on some lightweight rankings and is third on most.

If Melendez were to come over to the UFC, who would he face in his first fight under the UFC banner?

UFC president Dana White says he wants to bring him over ASAP. So many top opponents for Melendez to take on and so little time to dissect it.

Here are four fights that would be awesome for Melendez to take in his first match for the UFC.

Dennis Siver

Record: 19-7

Dennis Siver isn't exactly too high on lightweight rankings, but he would offer a nice entrance fight for Melendez.

Siver has excellent striking and can give Melendez a handful. To me, though, Melendez dominates this fight from start to the three-minutes-in finish.

Nonetheless, it would still be a nice tune-up fight for Melendez.

Loser of Gray Maynard vs. Frankie Edgar

Record: Gray Maynard (10-0-1) Frankie Edgar (13-1-1)

Maynard and Edgar will have met three times after their fight at UFC 136 and the loser might not get a fourth fight for a while. So to jump back into title contention why not fight Melendez?

Melendez may go the Alistair Overeem route and instead of taking an easy fight, take on one of the best fighters in the division to prove he belongs in the UFC.

A fight between Melendez and either Maynard or Edgar would be an epic fight.

Winner or Loser of Ben Henderson vs. Clay Guida

Record: Clay Guida (29-11) Ben Henderson (14-2)

I couldn't decide whether it would be better for Melendez to face the winner or loser of this epic showdown on Novemeber 12th.

This would be a good fight either way for Melendez and would be super exciting for the fans.

Melendez has already faced and beaten Guida all the way back in 2006 under the Strikeforce banner. Guida might love an opportunity to avenge his loss.

Henderson is a workhorse and is a very exciting fighter. When he gets into beast mode nobody can stop him as shown by Jim Miller's attempt in August.

If Melendez would face the winner he would probably earn a title shot after this win.

Melvin Guillard

Record: 29-8-2

Melvin Guillard has put on amazing shows as of late and has compiled a five fight winning streak.

A fight between Guillard and Melendez would be an amazing brawl that would probably win "Fight of the Night" and "Knockout of the Night" honors.

When I thought of this fight I started praying that Joe Lauzon would lose to Guillard at UFC 136 so I could see this fight.