Strikeforce's Gilbert Melendez Is Excited About Potential Move to the UFC

The UFC's partnership with Strikeforce doesn't seem to be going according to plan. 

UFC President Dana White's motto of "business as usual" is far from the truth, as he intends to acquire Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez in the near future.

When Melendez was informed of the news, he couldn't have been any more flattered. He recently spoke with MMAWeekly.com to discuss his potential future in the UFC. 

“It’s exciting that the boss definitely wants me over to the UFC, because it’s definitely a good move for me,” Melendez told MMA Weekly. 

While he is relatively familiar to UFC fans, those in attendance at UFC 129 were able to catch a glimpse of the Strikeforce star as he was in teammate Jake Shields' corner. 

Melendez has been preparing for an upcoming title defense against Jorge Masvidal, scheduled for December, but he said he would immediately sign with the organization under White's orders. 

“I’d be there in a heartbeat," he said. "Money doesn’t really mean nothing at this point; my money’s good. I’m happy with my money. If he told me to come fight for the same price, I would do it.”

Negotiations are still being finalized, but the UFC is expected to sign Melendez as soon as possible, considering he is one of the top lightweight contenders in mixed martial arts. 

This weekend at UFC 136, the lightweight title picture will become much more clear. Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard are set to meet in the main event, along with a potential title-eliminator between Melvin Guillard and Joe Lauzon.

The possibility of facing any one of these contenders would be a great opportunity for Melendez to make his claim for a title shot, which he admits is his ultimate goal.

However, Melendez is content on facing whoever he is matched up against.

"I’m coming for all the 55-pounders, and I really want to prove I’m No. 1," he said. "It would be nice to get a title shot, but if I need to come through it and work my way up, I’m more than willing."

“Whatever Dana wants," he said. "Whatever he wants, I’ll do.”