Gilbert Melendez MMA Profile Record, Stats, Biography, UFC Career & Fight History
Credit: UFC/Zuffa LLC
GILBERT MELENDEZ
“El Nino”
UNITED STATES • LIGHTWEIGHT
W-L-D
22-8-0
(T)KO
12-0
SUB
0-1
BIOGRAPHY
COUNTRY
United States
WT CLASS
Lightweight • Featherweight
HT / WT
5′ 9″, 155 lbs
BIRTHDATE
04/12/1982 (44)
STANCE
Orthodox
REACH
73.0″ (185cm)
TEAM / RESIDENCE
El Nino Training Center • San Francisco, California
NICKNAME
“El Nino”
CAREER HONOURS & HISTORICAL RECORDS
Gilbert Melendez Record
WINS22
KO/TKO
12
SUB
0
DECISION
10
LOSSES8
KO/TKO
0
SUB
1
DECISION
7
DRAWS0
DR
0
NO CONTEST0
NC
0
Percentage Statistics
Calculated from 30 professional bouts (22-8-0).
RESULT
FIGHTER
EVENT
METHOD
DURATION/DATE
LOSS
Arnold Allen
England
England
UFC 239: Jones vs. Santos
Jul / 06 / 2019
Decision – Unanimous
Rnd 3 (5:00)
Jul / 06 / 2019
ROUND3
TIME5:00
METHODDecision – Unanimous
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 UFC 239 Featherweight Feature • Allen vs. Melendez
Prelim Headliner
Fighter MatchupGilbert Melendez vs Arnold Allen
Fight Location Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (T-Mobile Arena)
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (T-Mobile Arena)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup145½ lbs vs 145½ lbs
Arnold Allen Record at Bout (Opponent)14-1-0
Gilbert Melendez Record at Bout22-7-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$200,000 USD
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Arnold Allen: -360 (Favorite)
vs
Gilbert Melendez: +280 (Underdog)
Officials & Scorecards
Ref: Marc Goddard
Dave Hagen: 30-27
Junichiro Kamijo: 30-27
Chris Lee: 30-27
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
British prospect Allen controlled the striking distance across three frames, landing stiff straight lefts and counter hooks against the gritty former champion to take a clean 30-27 clean sweep on all scorecards.
LOSS
Jeremy Stephens
United States
United States
UFC 215: Nunes vs. Shevchenko 2
Sep / 09 / 2017
Decision – Unanimous
Rnd 3 (5:00)
Sep / 09 / 2017
ROUND3
TIME5:00
METHOD
Decision – Unanimous
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 UFC 215 Main Card Featherweight War • Stephens vs. Melendez
Main Card Feature
Fighter MatchupGilbert Melendez vs Jeremy Stephens
Fight Location Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (Rogers Place)
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (Rogers Place)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup146 lbs vs 146 lbs
Jeremy Stephens Record at Bout (Opponent)25-14-0
Gilbert Melendez Record at Bout22-6-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$200,000 USD (+$50k Bonus)
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Jeremy Stephens: -115 (Favorite)
vs
Gilbert Melendez: -105 (Underdog)
Officials & Scorecards
Ref: Jerin Valel
Derek Cleary: 30-26
Sal D’Amato: 30-25
David Therien: 30-26
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Stephens chopped Melendez down with brutal calf and thigh kicks, dropping him multiple times throughout the fight. Demonstrating astonishing toughness, Melendez fought through a severely damaged lead leg to survive all 15 minutes, pocketing a $50,000 Fight of the Night bonus.
LOSS
Edson Barboza
Brazil
Brazil
UFC Fight Night: Holm vs. Shevchenko
Jul / 23 / 2016
Decision – Unanimous
Rnd 3 (5:00)
Jul / 23 / 2016
ROUND3
TIME5:00
METHODDecision – Unanimous
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 UFC on FOX 20 Co-Main Event • Barboza vs. Melendez
Co-Main Event
Fighter MatchupGilbert Melendez vs Edson Barboza
Fight Location Chicago, Illinois, United States (United Center)
Chicago, Illinois, United States (United Center)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup155 lbs vs 155 lbs
Edson Barboza Record at Bout (Opponent)17-4-0
Gilbert Melendez Record at Bout22-5-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$200,000 USD
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Edson Barboza: -210 (Favorite)
vs
Gilbert Melendez: +175 (Underdog)
Officials & Scorecards
Ref: John McCarthy
Derek Cleary: 30-27
Jeff Mullen: 30-27
Brian Puccillo: 29-28
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Melendez rocked Barboza with an overhand right in round two, but Barboza’s punishing low kicks battered Melendez’s lead leg across the final round to secure a unanimous decision victory in Chicago.
LOSS
Eddie Alvarez
United States
United States
UFC 188: Velasquez vs. Werdum
Jun / 13 / 2015
Decision – Split
Rnd 3 (5:00)
Jun / 13 / 2015
ROUND3
TIME5:00
METHODDecision – Split
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 UFC 188 Co-Main Event • Melendez vs. Alvarez
Co-Main Event
Fighter MatchupGilbert Melendez vs Eddie Alvarez
Fight Location Mexico City, Mexico (Arena Ciudad de México)
Mexico City, Mexico (Arena Ciudad de México)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup156 lbs vs 156 lbs
Eddie Alvarez Record at Bout (Opponent)25-4-0
Gilbert Melendez Record at Bout22-4-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$200,000 USD
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Gilbert Melendez: -155 (Favorite)
vs
Eddie Alvarez: +135 (Underdog)
Officials & Scorecards
Ref: John McCarthy
Derek Cleary: 29-28
Sal D’Amato: 29-28
Chris Lee: 28-29
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Melendez battered Alvarez with stiff elbows and right hands in round one, severely swelling Alvarez’s left eye shut. However, Alvarez rallied through the high altitude of Mexico City in rounds two and three with takedowns and clinch control to claim a razor-thin split decision.
LOSS
Anthony Pettis
United States
United States
UFC 181: Hendricks vs. Lawler 2
Dec / 06 / 2014
Submission
Rnd 2 (1:53)
Dec / 06 / 2014
ROUND2
TIME1:53
METHODSubmission
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
UFC Lightweight Championship • Pettis vs. Melendez
Challenged for Undisputed Title
Fighter MatchupGilbert Melendez vs Anthony Pettis
Fight Location Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (Mandalay Bay Events Center)
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (Mandalay Bay Events Center)Duration5 x 5 min
Weights Matchup155 lbs vs 154½ lbs
Anthony Pettis Record at Bout (Opponent)17-2-0
Gilbert Melendez Record at Bout22-3-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$200,000 USD
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Anthony Pettis: -220 (Favorite)
vs
Gilbert Melendez: +180 (Underdog)
Officials
Ref: John McCarthy
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Melendez implemented heavy forward pressure and landed crisp punches against the cage in round one. In round two, after being tagged by a sharp counter right, Melendez shot for a takedown, but Pettis quickly wrapped his neck and secured a tight guillotine choke to force the tap at 1:53.
WIN
Diego Sanchez
United States
United States
UFC 166: Velasquez vs. Dos Santos 3
Oct / 19 / 2013
Decision – Unanimous
Rnd 3 (5:00)
Oct / 19 / 2013
ROUND3
TIME5:00
METHOD
Decision – Unanimous
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 UFC 166 Classic • 2013 Fight of the Year • Melendez vs. Sanchez
Main Card Showcase
Fighter MatchupGilbert Melendez vs Diego Sanchez
Fight Location Houston, Texas, United States (Toyota Center)
Houston, Texas, United States (Toyota Center)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup156 lbs vs 156 lbs
Diego Sanchez Record at Bout (Opponent)24-5-0
Gilbert Melendez Record at Bout21-3-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$175,000 USD (+$60k Bonus)
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Gilbert Melendez: -600 (Favorite)
vs
Diego Sanchez: +425 (Underdog)
Officials & Scorecards
Ref: Kerry Hatley
Sal D’Amato: 29-28
Chris Lee: 30-27
Ric Winter: 30-27
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Widely heralded as one of the greatest brawls in MMA history. Melendez outlanded Sanchez with crisp combinations and tore open a massive gash above Sanchez’s eye, but survived a dramatic knockdown in the final minute to take a memorable unanimous decision victory. Both earned Fight of the Night honors ($60k).
LOSS
Benson Henderson
United States
United States
UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Melendez
Apr / 20 / 2013
Decision – Split
Rnd 5 (5:00)
Apr / 20 / 2013
ROUND5
TIME5:00
METHODDecision – Split
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
UFC Lightweight Championship • Henderson vs. Melendez
Champion vs. Champion Unification
Fighter MatchupGilbert Melendez vs Benson Henderson
Fight Location San Jose, California, United States (HP Pavilion)
San Jose, California, United States (HP Pavilion)Duration5 x 5 min
Weights Matchup154 lbs vs 155 lbs
Benson Henderson Record at Bout (Opponent)18-2-0
Gilbert Melendez Record at Bout21-2-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$175,000 USD
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Benson Henderson: -310 (Favorite)
vs
Gilbert Melendez: +280 (Underdog)
Officials & Scorecards
Ref: John McCarthy
Michael Bell: 48-47
Wade Vierra: 47-48
Cecil Peoples: 48-47
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Champion vs. Champion cross-promotional superfight. Strikeforce champion Melendez made his UFC debut and out-landed Henderson in early striking exchanges, but Henderson scored with chopping leg kicks and late combinations to take a disputed split decision.
WIN
Josh Thomson
United States
United States
Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Cormier
May / 19 / 2012
Decision – Split
Rnd 5 (5:00)
May / 19 / 2012
ROUND5
TIME5:00
METHODDecision – Split
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
Strikeforce Lightweight Championship Trilogy • Melendez vs. Thomson 3
Defended World Title (Trilogy Win)
Fighter MatchupGilbert Melendez vs Josh Thomson
Fight Location San Jose, California, United States (HP Pavilion)
San Jose, California, United States (HP Pavilion)Duration5 x 5 min
Weights Matchup155 lbs vs 154½ lbs
Josh Thomson Record at Bout (Opponent)19-4-0 (1 NC)
Gilbert Melendez Record at Bout20-2-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$175,000 USD
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Gilbert Melendez: -325 (Favorite)
vs
Josh Thomson: +250 (Underdog)
Officials & Scorecards
Ref: Dan Stell
Michael Bell: 48-47
Marcos Rosales: 48-47
Susan Thomas-Gitlin: 47-48
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Closing out their historic trilogy, Melendez dictated center control and landed power combinations while Thomson counter-struck and threatened takedowns. Melendez walked away with a split-decision victory to retain his Strikeforce title.
WIN
Jorge Masvidal
United States
United States
Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal
Dec / 17 / 2011
Decision – Unanimous
Rnd 5 (5:00)
Dec / 17 / 2011
ROUND5
TIME5:00
METHODDecision – Unanimous
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
Strikeforce Lightweight Championship • Melendez vs. Masvidal
Defended World Title
Fighter MatchupGilbert Melendez vs Jorge Masvidal
Fight Location San Jose, California, United States (HP Pavilion)
San Jose, California, United States (HP Pavilion)Duration5 x 5 min
Weights Matchup155 lbs vs 155 lbs
Jorge Masvidal Record at Bout (Opponent)22-6-0
Gilbert Melendez Record at Bout19-2-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$150,000 USD
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Gilbert Melendez: -290 (Favorite)
vs
Jorge Masvidal: +260 (Underdog)
Officials & Scorecards
Ref: Herb Dean
Michael Bell: 50-45
Marcos Rosales: 50-45
Lester Griffin: 49-46
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Melendez set a relentless pace over five rounds, connecting with heavy overhand rights, volume body punches, and timely takedowns to retain his lightweight championship against the slick boxing of Masvidal.
WIN
Tatsuya Kawajiri
Japan
Japan
Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley
Apr / 09 / 2011
KO/TKO
Rnd 1 (3:14)
Apr / 09 / 2011
ROUND1
TIME3:14
METHODKO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
Strikeforce Lightweight Championship • Melendez vs. Kawajiri 2
Defended World Title
Fighter MatchupGilbert Melendez vs Tatsuya Kawajiri
Fight Location San Diego, California, United States (Valley View Casino Center)
San Diego, California, United States (Valley View Casino Center)Duration5 x 5 min
Weights Matchup155 lbs vs 155 lbs
Tatsuya Kawajiri Record at Bout (Opponent)27-6-2
Gilbert Melendez Record at Bout18-2-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$150,000 USD
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Gilbert Melendez: -275 (Favorite)
vs
Tatsuya Kawajiri: +215 (Underdog)
Officials
Ref: Cecil Peoples
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Electrifying first-round destruction. Melendez stunned Kawajiri with an overhand right, stuffed his desperate takedown attempt, and delivered a torrent of vicious downward elbows against the fence to force the stoppage at 3:14.
WIN
Shinya Aoki
Japan
Japan
Strikeforce: Nashville
Apr / 17 / 2010
Decision – Unanimous
Rnd 5 (5:00)
Apr / 17 / 2010
ROUND5
TIME5:00
METHODDecision – Unanimous
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
Strikeforce Lightweight Championship • Melendez vs. Aoki
Defended World Title
Fighter MatchupGilbert Melendez vs Shinya Aoki
Fight Location Nashville, Tennessee, United States (Bridgestone Arena)
Nashville, Tennessee, United States (Bridgestone Arena)Duration5 x 5 min
Weights Matchup155 lbs vs 154½ lbs
Shinya Aoki Record at Bout (Opponent)23-4-0 (1 NC)
Gilbert Melendez Record at Bout17-2-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$125,000 USD
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Gilbert Melendez: -155 (Favorite)
vs
Shinya Aoki: +125 (Underdog)
Officials & Scorecards
Ref: Herb Dean
Cecil Peoples: 50-45
Marcos Rosales: 50-45
Jeff Mullen: 50-45
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Masterful tactical showcase. Melendez neutralized the legendary submission wizardry of DREAM champion Aoki, stuffing all 18 of his takedown attempts and landing heavy ground strikes to win a shutout 50-45 decision across all scorecards.
WIN
Josh Thomson
United States
United States
Strikeforce: Evolution
Dec / 19 / 2009
Decision – Unanimous
Rnd 5 (5:00)
Dec / 19 / 2009
ROUND5
TIME5:00
METHODDecision – Unanimous
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
Undisputed Strikeforce Lightweight Championship • Melendez vs. Thomson 2
Unified Strikeforce World Title
Fighter MatchupGilbert Melendez vs Josh Thomson
Fight Location San Jose, California, United States (HP Pavilion)
San Jose, California, United States (HP Pavilion)Duration5 x 5 min
Weights Matchup155 lbs vs 155 lbs
Josh Thomson Record at Bout (Opponent)16-2-0 (1 NC)
Gilbert Melendez Record at Bout16-2-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$110,000 USD
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Gilbert Melendez: -260 (Favorite)
vs
Josh Thomson: +200 (Underdog)
Officials & Scorecards
Ref: John McCarthy
Susan Thomas-Gitlin: 49-46
Marcos Rosales: 49-47
Lester Griffin: 49-46
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
High-octane title unification clash. Melendez avenged his 2008 loss to Thomson by outworking him on the feet, landing crisp power rights and defending Thomson’s grappling over 25 hard minutes to become undisputed champion.
WIN
Mitsuhiro Ishida
Japan
Japan
Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg
Aug / 15 / 2009
KO/TKO
Rnd 3 (3:56)
Aug / 15 / 2009
ROUND3
TIME3:56
METHODKO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
Interim Strikeforce Lightweight Championship • Melendez vs. Ishida 2
Defended Interim World Title
Fighter MatchupGilbert Melendez vs Mitsuhiro Ishida
Fight Location San Jose, California, United States (HP Pavilion)
San Jose, California, United States (HP Pavilion)Duration5 x 5 min
Weights Matchup155 lbs vs 154 lbs
Mitsuhiro Ishida Record at Bout (Opponent)18-4-1
Gilbert Melendez Record at Bout15-2-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$90,000 USD
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Gilbert Melendez: -190 (Favorite)
vs
Mitsuhiro Ishida: +175 (Underdog)
Officials
Ref: Josh Rosenthal
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Melendez avenged his 2007 loss in emphatic fashion. He stuffed Ishida’s takedown attempts with authority, battered him on the feet, and finished him with relentless ground punches at 3:56 of round three.
WIN
Rodrigo Damm
Brazil
Brazil
Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Diaz
Apr / 11 / 2009
KO/TKO
Rnd 2 (2:02)
Apr / 11 / 2009
ROUND2
TIME2:02
METHODKO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
Interim Strikeforce Lightweight Championship • Melendez vs. Damm
Won Interim Strikeforce Belt
Fighter MatchupGilbert Melendez vs Rodrigo Damm
Fight Location San Jose, California, United States (HP Pavilion)
San Jose, California, United States (HP Pavilion)Duration5 x 5 min
Weights Matchup155 lbs vs 154 lbs
Rodrigo Damm Record at Bout (Opponent)8-2-0
Gilbert Melendez Record at Bout14-2-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$80,000 USD
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Gilbert Melendez: -450 (Favorite)
vs
Rodrigo Damm: +325 (Underdog)
Officials
Ref: Herb Dean
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Stepping in for an injured Josh Thomson, Brazilian BJJ ace Rodrigo Damm couldn’t match Melendez’s striking. Melendez dropped Damm with an explosive right hand in round two, following up with hammerfists to claim the interim strap.
LOSS
Josh Thomson
United States
United States
Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Thomson
Jun / 27 / 2008
Decision – Unanimous
Rnd 5 (5:00)
Jun / 27 / 2008
ROUND5
TIME5:00
METHODDecision – Unanimous
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
Strikeforce Lightweight Championship • Melendez vs. Thomson
Lost World Championship
Fighter MatchupGilbert Melendez vs Josh Thomson
Fight Location San Jose, California, United States (HP Pavilion)
San Jose, California, United States (HP Pavilion)Duration5 x 5 min
Weights Matchup155 lbs vs 154½ lbs
Josh Thomson Record at Bout (Opponent)14-2-0 (1 NC)
Gilbert Melendez Record at Bout14-1-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$65,000 USD
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Gilbert Melendez: -350 (Favorite)
vs
Josh Thomson: +275 (Underdog)
Officials & Scorecards
Ref: John McCarthy
Michael Bell: 50-45
Susan Thomas-Gitlin: 49-46
Marcos Rosales: 50-45
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
First chapter of their legendary rivalry. Thomson executed a brilliant game plan, mixing rapid footwork, varied kicks, and takedown defense to dethrone Melendez over five fast-paced rounds.
WIN
Gabe Lemley
United States
United States
Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Le
Mar / 29 / 2008
KO/TKO
Rnd 2 (2:18)
Mar / 29 / 2008
ROUND2
TIME2:18
METHODKO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
Strikeforce Lightweight Championship • Melendez vs. Lemley
Defended World Title
Fighter MatchupGilbert Melendez vs Gabe Lemley
Fight Location San Jose, California, United States (HP Pavilion)
San Jose, California, United States (HP Pavilion)Duration5 x 5 min
Weights Matchup155 lbs vs 154½ lbs
Gabe Lemley Record at Bout (Opponent)11-6-0
Gilbert Melendez Record at Bout13-1-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$50,000 USD
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Gilbert Melendez: -1000 (Favorite)
vs
Gabe Lemley: +600 (Underdog)
Officials
Ref: Dan Stell
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Melendez dominated Lemley with blistering combinations and punishing knees in the clinch, dropping him in round two and securing the referee stoppage at 2:18 to retain his title.
LOSS
Mitsuhiro Ishida
Japan
Japan
Yarennoka: New Years Eve 2007
Dec / 31 / 2007
Decision – Unanimous
Rnd 2 (5:00)
Dec / 31 / 2007
ROUND2
TIME5:00
METHODDecision – Unanimous
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 Yarennoka! NYE Showcase • Melendez vs. Ishida 1
Featured Bout
Fighter MatchupGilbert Melendez vs Mitsuhiro Ishida
Fight Location Saitama, Japan (Saitama Super Arena)
Saitama, Japan (Saitama Super Arena)Duration2 x 5 min
Weights Matchup154 lbs vs 154 lbs
Mitsuhiro Ishida Record at Bout (Opponent)14-3-1
Gilbert Melendez Record at Bout13-0-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$50,000 USD
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Gilbert Melendez: -300 (Favorite)
vs
Mitsuhiro Ishida: +270 (Underdog)
Officials
Ref: Yuji Shimada
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Suffering the first loss of his professional career, Melendez was caught off-guard by Ishida’s relentless freestyle wrestling transitions and top control in Saitama, resulting in a unanimous decision defeat.
WIN
Tetsuji Kato
Japan
Japan
Strikeforce: Playboy Mansion
Sep / 29 / 2007
Decision – Unanimous
Rnd 3 (5:00)
Sep / 29 / 2007
ROUND3
TIME5:00
METHODDecision – Unanimous
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 Strikeforce at the Mansion Main Event • Melendez vs. Kato
Main Event
Fighter MatchupGilbert Melendez vs Tetsuji Kato
Fight Location Beverly Hills, California, United States (Playboy Mansion)
Beverly Hills, California, United States (Playboy Mansion)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup155 lbs vs 155 lbs
Tetsuji Kato Record at Bout (Opponent)19-7-0
Gilbert Melendez Record at Bout12-0-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$45,000 USD
Officials
Ref: Dan Stell
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Melendez showcased superior boxing technique and cage control against Japanese veteran Kato over three rounds at the iconic Playboy Mansion event, capturing a clean unanimous decision.
WIN
Tatsuya Kawajiri
Japan
Japan
PRIDE Shockwave 2006
Dec / 31 / 2006
Decision – Unanimous
Rnd 2 (5:00)
Dec / 31 / 2006
ROUND2
TIME5:00
METHODDecision – Unanimous
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 PRIDE Shockwave 2006 Lightweight Showcase • Melendez vs. Kawajiri 1
Featured Bout
Fighter MatchupGilbert Melendez vs Tatsuya Kawajiri
Fight Location Saitama, Japan (Saitama Super Arena)
Saitama, Japan (Saitama Super Arena)Duration1 x 10, 1 x 5 min
Weights Matchup160 lbs vs 160 lbs
Tatsuya Kawajiri Record at Bout (Opponent)19-3-2
Gilbert Melendez Record at Bout11-0-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$50,000 USD
Officials
Ref: Yuji Shimada
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
High-paced battle in PRIDE’s ring. Despite being rocked early by Kawajiri and penalized a card for grabbing the ropes, Melendez roared back with relentless boxing combinations and takedowns to claim a unanimous decision win before 48,000 Japanese fans.
WIN
Nobuhiro Obiya
Japan
Japan
PRIDE Bushido 12
Aug / 26 / 2006
Decision – Unanimous
Rnd 2 (5:00)
Aug / 26 / 2006
ROUND2
TIME5:00
METHODDecision – Unanimous
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 PRIDE Bushido 12 Feature • Melendez vs. Obiya
Featured Bout
Fighter MatchupGilbert Melendez vs Nobuhiro Obiya
Fight Location Nagoya, Japan (Nagoya Rainbow Hall)
Nagoya, Japan (Nagoya Rainbow Hall)Duration1 x 10, 1 x 5 min
Weights Matchup160 lbs vs 160 lbs
Nobuhiro Obiya Record at Bout (Opponent)8-1-1
Gilbert Melendez Record at Bout10-0-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$35,000 USD
Officials
Ref: Yuji Shimada
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Melendez engaged in a wild slugfest against Deep champion Obiya, rocking Obiya with powerful right hands and controlling top positioning across both rounds to take a unanimous decision.
WIN
Clay Guida
United States
United States
Strikeforce: Revenge
Jun / 09 / 2006
Decision – Split
Rnd 5 (5:00)
Jun / 09 / 2006
ROUND5
TIME5:00
METHODDecision – Split
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
Strikeforce Lightweight Championship • Guida vs. Melendez
Captured Strikeforce World Title
Fighter MatchupGilbert Melendez vs Clay Guida
Fight Location San Jose, California, United States (HP Pavilion)
San Jose, California, United States (HP Pavilion)Duration5 x 5 min
Weights Matchup155 lbs vs 155 lbs
Clay Guida Record at Bout (Opponent)20-6-0
Gilbert Melendez Record at Bout9-0-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$30,000 USD
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Gilbert Melendez: -200 (Favorite)
vs
Clay Guida: +160 (Underdog)
Officials
Ref: Dan Stell
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
In a non-stop 25-minute pace battle, Melendez matched Guida’s boundless cardio with pinpoint boxing and takedown reversals to capture the Strikeforce lightweight championship via split decision.
WIN
Harris Sarmiento
United States
United States
Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Gracie
Mar / 10 / 2006
KO/TKO
Rnd 2 (0:44)
Mar / 10 / 2006
ROUND2
TIME0:44
METHODKO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 Strikeforce Inaugural Card Feature • Melendez vs. Sarmiento
Main Card Feature
Fighter MatchupGilbert Melendez vs Harris Sarmiento
Fight Location San Jose, California, United States (HP Pavilion)
San Jose, California, United States (HP Pavilion)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup155 lbs vs 155 lbs
Harris Sarmiento Record at Bout (Opponent)24-12-0
Gilbert Melendez Record at Bout8-0-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$20,000 USD
Officials
Ref: Dan Stell
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Melendez took down Hawaiian brawler Sarmiento, mounted him, and unleashed heavy ground strikes that forced a submission to punches early in round two.
WIN
Rumina Sato
Japan
Japan
Shooto: Alive Road
Aug / 20 / 2005
KO/TKO
Rnd 1 (1:32)
Aug / 20 / 2005
ROUND1
TIME1:32
METHODKO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
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🥊 Shooto Main Event • Melendez vs. Sato
Main Event
Fighter MatchupGilbert Melendez vs Rumina Sato
Fight Location Yokohama, Japan (Yokohama Cultural Gymnasium)
Yokohama, Japan (Yokohama Cultural Gymnasium)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup143 lbs vs 143 lbs
Rumina Sato Record at Bout (Opponent)20-9-2
Gilbert Melendez Record at Bout7-0-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$25,000 USD
Officials
Ref: Kenichi Serizawa
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Melendez overwhelmed Japanese MMA icon Rumina Sato with aggressive punches early, opening a severe cut that caused the ringside doctor to halt the contest at 1:32 of round one.
WIN
Naoya Uematsu
Japan
Japan
Shooto: 5/4 in Korakuen Hall
May / 04 / 2005
KO/TKO
Rnd 2 (4:30)
May / 04 / 2005
ROUND2
TIME4:30
METHODKO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
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🥊 Shooto Main Card • Melendez vs. Uematsu
Featured Bout
Fighter MatchupGilbert Melendez vs Naoya Uematsu
Fight Location Tokyo, Japan (Korakuen Hall)
Tokyo, Japan (Korakuen Hall)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup143 lbs vs 143 lbs
Naoya Uematsu Record at Bout (Opponent)11-4-2
Gilbert Melendez Record at Bout6-0-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$20,000 USD
Officials
Ref: Taro Suzuki
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Melendez battered top Shooto contender Uematsu with brutal hooks and ground punches, causing a severe facial cut that prompted a doctor stoppage late in round two.
WIN
Hiroyuki Takaya
Japan
Japan
Shooto: Year End Show 2004
Dec / 14 / 2004
Decision – Unanimous
Rnd 3 (5:00)
Dec / 14 / 2004
ROUND3
TIME5:00
METHODDecision – Unanimous
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
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🥊 Shooto Year End Feature • Melendez vs. Takaya
Featured Bout
Fighter MatchupGilbert Melendez vs Hiroyuki Takaya
Fight Location Tokyo, Japan (Yoyogi National Gymnasium)
Tokyo, Japan (Yoyogi National Gymnasium)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup143 lbs vs 143 lbs
Hiroyuki Takaya Record at Bout (Opponent)6-1-1
Gilbert Melendez Record at Bout5-0-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$18,000 USD
Officials
Ref: Kenichi Serizawa
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Melendez controlled future DREAM champion Takaya with dynamic wrestling takedowns and heavy top control to earn a unanimous decision in Tokyo.
WIN
Kaynan Kaku
United States
United States
ROTR 6: Rumble on the Rock 6
Nov / 20 / 2004
KO/TKO
Rnd 2 (3:58)
Nov / 20 / 2004
ROUND2
TIME3:58
METHODKO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
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🥊 Rumble on the Rock 6 • Melendez vs. Kaku
Featured Bout
Fighter MatchupGilbert Melendez vs Kaynan Kaku
Fight Location Honolulu, Hawaii, United States (Neal S. Blaisdell Center)
Honolulu, Hawaii, United States (Neal S. Blaisdell Center)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup155 lbs vs 155 lbs
Kaynan Kaku Record at Bout (Opponent)2-1-0
Gilbert Melendez Record at Bout4-0-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$12,000 USD
Officials
Ref: Cecil Peoples
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Melendez overwhelmed local Hawaiian fighter Kaku with relentless wrestling and landed unanswered punches from mount to secure a TKO stoppage at 3:58 of round two.
WIN
Olaf Alonso
Mexico
Mexico
WEC 10: Bragging Rights
May / 21 / 2004
KO/TKO
Rnd 3 (4:54)
May / 21 / 2004
ROUND3
TIME4:54
METHODKO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
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Inaugural WEC Lightweight Championship • Melendez vs. Alonso
Captured WEC World Championship
Fighter MatchupGilbert Melendez vs Olaf Alonso
Fight Location Friant, California, United States (Table Mountain Casino)
Friant, California, United States (Table Mountain Casino)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup155 lbs vs 155 lbs
Olaf Alonso Record at Bout (Opponent)5-1-0
Gilbert Melendez Record at Bout3-0-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$8,000 USD
Officials
Ref: Larry Landless
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Melendez captured his first major mixed martial arts title by punishing Olaf Alonso with furious punches from top position, forcing referee Larry Landless to halt the fight with six seconds left in round three.
WIN
Stephen Palling
United States
United States
ROTR 4: Rumble on the Rock 4
Oct / 10 / 2003
KO/TKO
Rnd 2 (4:59)
Oct / 10 / 2003
ROUND2
TIME4:59
METHODKO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
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🥊 Rumble on the Rock 4 • Melendez vs. Palling
Featured Bout
Fighter MatchupGilbert Melendez vs Stephen Palling
Fight Location Honolulu, Hawaii, United States (Neal S. Blaisdell Center)
Honolulu, Hawaii, United States (Neal S. Blaisdell Center)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup155 lbs vs 155 lbs
Stephen Palling Record at Bout (Opponent)7-3-0
Gilbert Melendez Record at Bout2-0-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$6,000 USD
Officials
Ref: Cecil Peoples
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Melendez grounded veteran striker Stephen Palling repeatedly, raining down punches to score a buzzer-beating TKO with just one second remaining in round two.
WIN
Jeff Hougland
United States
United States
WEC 6: Return of a Legend
Mar / 27 / 2003
KO/TKO
Rnd 2 (2:05)
Mar / 27 / 2003
ROUND2
TIME2:05
METHODKO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
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🥊 WEC 6 Lightweight Bout • Melendez vs. Hougland
Featured Bout
Fighter MatchupGilbert Melendez vs Jeff Hougland
Fight Location Lemoore, California, United States (Palace Indian Gaming Center)
Lemoore, California, United States (Palace Indian Gaming Center)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup155 lbs vs 155 lbs
Jeff Hougland Record at Bout (Opponent)1-1-0
Gilbert Melendez Record at Bout1-0-0
Est. Fighter Purse~$4,000 USD
Officials
Ref: Larry Landless
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Melendez showcased his trademark relentless ground-and-pound, stopping future UFC bantamweight Hougland with unanswered strikes from top control at 2:05 of round two.
WIN
Gary Quan
United States
United States
WEC 5: Halloween Fury
Oct / 18 / 2002
KO/TKO
Rnd 1 (4:37)
Oct / 18 / 2002
ROUND1
TIME4:37
METHODKO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
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🥊 Professional MMA Debut • Melendez vs. Quan
Pro Debut
Fighter MatchupGilbert Melendez vs Gary Quan
Fight Location Lemoore, California, United States (Palace Indian Gaming Center)
Lemoore, California, United States (Palace Indian Gaming Center)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup155 lbs vs 155 lbs
Gary Quan Record at Bout (Opponent)0-0-0
Gilbert Melendez Record at Bout0-0-0 (Debut)
Est. Fighter Purse~$2,000 USD
Officials
Ref: Larry Landless
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Professional MMA Debut. Training out of Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, Melendez delivered a dominant first-round performance, taking Quan to the canvas and finishing the contest with ground strikes at 4:37.
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