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Melendez eyes title run at 145 pounds

Gilbert Melendez's drop down to the featherweight division could be the start of one more climb to the top.

The former Strikeforce lightweight champion and two-time UFC title contender announced last August that he would be attempting a drop down to 145 pounds. During a recent appearance on "MMAjunkie Radio," Melendez answered in the affirmative when asked if it was his intention to get another crack at a world championship.

"I'd like to prove I'm one of the toughest in the division with a solid opponent who is willing to fight me and not stick and move," Melendez said, according to MMAjunkie's Mike Bohn. "If I can get that, it would be great. I'm looking for one last (title) run."

Melendez's move isn't official yet. He mentioned wanting to change divisions last August, but is still ranked No. 12 on the UFC's lightweight contenders list. "El Nino" has an underwhelming 1-4 record inside the Octagon, with all of his bouts coming against top-10 competition.

From June 2006 to May 2012, Melendez ruled over the Strikeforce 155-pound division, logging two title wins and six total defenses. He has not competed at featherweight since August 2005, a TKO win over famed Japanese submission artist Rumina Sato.

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