Speaking via ESPN.com, Melendez said:
“First of all, there is no contract signed. But it’s not rocket science — it’s the process of elimination. Right now (Masvidal) seems like the No. 1 contender. I’d say JZ (Gesias) Cavalcante is No. 2; maybe (Justin) Wilcox is No. 3. That’s what we’re assuming. But nothing is set in stone, no contract has been given. His name (Masvidal) has been thrown out there. But again it hasn’t been set in stone. When Gilbert Melendez signs a deal, he will let everyone know.”
“I’d like to get in (the cage) as soon as possible. But I want to get in when the boss (Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker) wants me to get in. If the boss wants me to get in tomorrow, I will get in tomorrow. If the boss wants me to get in in November, I will get in in November. If he wants me to wait until January, I will wait until January. I will do whatever I have to do to get closer to being No. 1.”
When his trainer, Cesar Gracie, was asked to explain his earlier comments he said:“I didn’t say that. I said he’s slated to fight, but he hasn’t signed yet. That’s what the talk has been (a fight with Masvidal), but nothing has been signed. They did ask me who Gilbert was fighting next, and I said there was talk about Masvidal. But everyone knows that already. I told (MMAFighting.com) that nothing’s signed, but that (Melendez-Masvidal) is probably what’s going to happen next.”
Melendez was last seen in action in April, destroying top rated Japanese fighter Tatsuya Kawajiri in the very first round. Prior to that he’d knocked off DREAM champion, Shinya Aoki via unanimous decision. As for Masvidal, he turned on the style to defeat former EliteXC 160 pound champion, K.J. Noons in June, winning the fight via unanimous decision. Strikeforce CEO, Scott Coker had previously said the winner would become the number one contender at 155 pounds.
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