Two-Time Title Challenger Gilbert Melendez Released from UFC Contract

Two-time UFC title challenger Gilbert Melendez has been released from his contract with the Las Vegas-based promotion.

Fight Book MMA was first to report Melendez’s release. The 37-year-old Skrap Pack staple exits the UFC on a five-bout skid that includes a unanimous decision loss against Arnold Allen in his most recent outing at UFC 239 on July 6.

“El Nino” made his Octagon debut in 2013 and was widely regarded as one of the top lightweight talents in the world, regardless of promotion. The former Strikeforce king challenged for lightweight gold in his Octagon debut, losing a closely-contested split decision to then champion Benson Henderson at UFC on Fox 7.

Melendez’s lone victory came in his next outing, when he battled Diego Sanchez for three memorable rounds at UFC 166. That propelled Melendez into another title shot at UFC 181, where he was submitted in the second round by Anthony Pettis in December 2014. Losses to Eddie Alvarez, Edson Barboza, Jeremy Stephens and Allen would follow.

Melendez is 22-8 over the course of his career and owns notable wins against the likes of Josh Thomson (twice), Jorge Masvidal, Tatsuya Kawajiri (twice), Shinya Aoki and Clay Guida, among others.