Dana White: Strikeforce champ Gilbert Melendez is headed to the UFC, ASAP

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez's days in the organization appear over.

The standout lightweight will join the UFC's roster "ASAP," according to UFC president Dana White.

A debut date and opponent haven't been determined, but White said it'll happen sooner rather than later. And if the timing is right, it could lead to an immediate UFC title shot.

"Yeah, we do want to bring Gilbert Melendez over, and we're looking at it right now," White said following Saturday's UFC on Versus 6 event at Washington, D.C.'s Verizon Center. "We're looking to bring Gilbert Melendez over ASAP."

White, who also said Strikeforce heavyweight Fabricio Werdum (14-5-1 MMA, 3-1 SF) is likely to return to the organization, spoke definitively about the Melendez (19-2 MMA, 9-1 SF) move for the first time ever. After the UFC purchased Strikeforce earlier this year, he hinted at the possibility but stopped short of saying there was a concrete plan.

However, Melendez, who recently cracked the top 10 in the media-voted Yahoo! Sports pound-for-pound rankings, now is making the move.

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I like it.
I like Gilbert.'
I like the potential match ups.

The standout lightweight will join the UFC's roster "ASAP"

I can't wait to see him get crushed ASAP.

So strikeforce is almost dead, just waiting for the HWGP to be over with.

I want to see Melendez vs Masvidal though, don't know if that is still going to happen.

Hopefully Masvidal comes over too.

Melendez vs. Jim Miller.

Ufc doesn't need melendez till mid 2012
With guida, henderson, guillard. The ufc lightweight class is a log jam!!!
I don't see the rush

I have said a few ill words toward the SF champion and finally the opportunity to prove I am right is here.

*Kung Fu salivates as he enters the avatar betting section*

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Posted by prozacnation1978

Ufc doesn't need melendez till mid 2012
With guida, henderson, guillard. The ufc lightweight class is a log jam!!!
I don't see the rush

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The rush is to get a flawless victory over SF as fast as possible

This is were Gil needs 2 be. Dont get me wrong fighting Masvidal is cool, but i think Gil will wreck Masvidal. He needs the UFC's step up in competition

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Posted by hashyandy4

This is were Gil needs 2 be. Dont get me wrong fighting Masvidal is cool, but i think Gil will wreck Masvidal. He needs the UFC's step up in competition

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Gilbert's destruction over all the competition he has faced over the last couple of years has left me thinking that was nothing really left for him outside of the UFC. Case in point Masvidal....while good I do not hail him as highly as Soli or Kawajiri. With those victories alone he has pretty much cleared out the Japaneses competition. I think he should have the same treatment as Shields though.....give him Bendo or Miller, etc, to see where he really stands before a title shot. I think he can take out Masvidal and still have time to properly prepare for that.

i think hes probably the best champ in strikeforce. Hendo is still awesome but he cant fight forever.

this is got to be the very end of strikeforce. dana has taken away their real talent. it kinda sucks but on the other hand there is some good matchups

I expect big things from him. Top 5 for awhile.

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Posted by Pookie

I expect big things from him. Top 5 for awhile.

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I am checking my avatar betting schedule. Ooooh, I have a lot of openings.

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Posted by KungFuMaster

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Posted by Pookie

I expect big things from him. Top 5 for awhile.

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I am checking my avatar betting schedule. Ooooh, I have a lot of openings.

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I will make you a pretty girl. I await the day.

Melendez should get Guillard after he disposes Lauzon