Anthony Pettis vs. Gilbert Melendez confirmed for UFC's end-of-year event
UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis (17-2 MMA, 4-1 UFC) will be back in action by year’s end, attempting his first title defense against onetime title challenger Gilbert Melendez (22-3 MMA, 1-1 UFC).
UFC President Dana White made the announcement today during a news conference held in Puerto Rico, where he also touted Pettis’ return to the country for a fight in 2015.
Pettis appeared earlier this month at a UFC Q&A and said he was still on the mend from a surgery to repair a torn PCL he suffered in his title-winning performance against Benson Henderson at this past August’s UFC 164.
The UFC originally expected the new champ to return in July and contemplated pairing him against Jose Aldo, but then settled on Melendez, who will coach “The Ultimate Fighter 19″ opposite Pettis in advance of their fight.
The year-end event has yet to receive a confirmed date or venue, but is expected for Las Vegas and is likely to be UFC 182. The promotion already has booked UFC 181 for Montreal earlier in the month. The most likely date for the card is Dec. 27.
When they square off, Pettis and Melendez will have had year-plus layoffs since their most recent fight. Melendez defeated Diego Sanchez at this past October’s UFC 166, but then was delayed by a contentious contract negotiation.
Pettis and his younger brother, Sergio, were present for the UFC’s press conference and toured the island in addition to holding a seminar for aspiring MMA fighters, according to a press release issued today.
White also appointed former boxing promoter Peter Rivera as a regional representative for the UFC.
“The UFC is committed to growing the sport on the island of Puerto Rico,†White stated in the release. “I’m excited to partner with somebody as accomplished and respected as Peter Rivera, who we will work alongside in building the UFC in Puerto Rico.â€
White tweeted a picture of the 18,000-seat Coliseo de Puerto Rico as configured for a UFC event and posed for a photo op with former boxer Felix Trindad, who attended the news conference.
The UFC promoted an event in Puerto Rico, UFC 8, under its previous owners, Semaphore Entertainment Group. Local officials attempted to block the no-holds-barred event with a court order, but were outmaneuvered in court.
