Henderson vs. Melendez official for UFC on FOX 7

UFC Lightweight champion "Smooth" Benson Henderson (18-2, 6-0 UFC) will defend his title against Strikeforce Lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez (21-2, 0-0 UFC) on April 20 at HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. on UFC on FOX 7. Henderson will be the first UFC fighter to headline two UFC on FOX cards, his last being a unanimous decision over Nick Diaz at UFC on FOX 5 on December 8 in Seattle.

Below are statements from Henderson, as well as his manager Malki Kawa, regarding this announcement for use in your press materials.


“I am beyond thrilled to be competing again on network TV for the UFC on FOX 7 card against Gilbert Melendez. It's an honor to be put in this position by both the UFC and FOX executives, who are placing trust in me to be able to deliver another exciting fight on live TV. The fans can expect to see a lot of action from two fighters who have aggressive styles. It should be a fun night.” - Benson Henderson

“Gilbert Melendez is one of the toughest fighters on the planet. I've said over and over that I just want to fight the best in the world. I don't care in what order I face them, but I want to fight the best in the biggest fights. He has been the Strikeforce Lightweight champion, and is going to be real hungry in his first UFC fight.” - Benson Henderson

“Gilbert Melendez trains with Nick Diaz, so I'm sure there will be some strategy shared in his camp from my last fight. I don't concern myself with that, however. I will have my own gameplan and it will be up to me to execute that. I can't worry about how he will plan to fight me, only on how I plan to fight him.” - Benson Henderson


“Benson just continues to rise among the elite fighters in the UFC, and this fight is just more evidence of that. On April 20, he will become the first UFC fighter to headline two FOX cards, which is a testament to his value to the UFC and as a fighter that is able to deliver on the big stage.” - Malki Kawa