Diego Sanchez vs Gilbert Melendez targeted for Fall Bout

[The Great Cochrane]

An intriguing lightweight bout between former #1 contender Diego Sanchez (24-5) and former Strikeforce lightweight champion and recent title challenger Gilbert Melendez (21-3) has been rumored and reported by an MMA news outlet.

The bout was said to be set on the UFC 164 but is now said to take place later in the year, perhaps to bolster a free TV card.

Sanchez is coming off of a close split decision win over Takanori Gomi at UFC on FUEL TV: Silva vs. Stann. The bout was his first fight at lightweight since losing to B.J. Penn in a title lightweight title fight back at UFC 107. This will be the first time that Sanchez has fought twice in a year since 2010 while the last fight of 2010, and his two sole bouts in 2011 and 2012, respectively, have all won ‘Fight of the Night’ honors.

For Melendez and close and controversial split decision loss to lightweight champion Benson Henderson marked the last time the former Strikeforce lightweight champion stepped in the Octagon. Melendez will now look to secure his first win in the UFC and rejuvenate his hopes of a UFC title.

Both men are known for a rather tenacious fight style and bring an intense level of mental focus in to each fight with seemingly little to no motivation besides the fight itself.

I think Diego should just hang up his gloves by now, judging by his last two fights and the fact that he only fights once a year shows that he's not half the fighter he used to be.