Gilbert Melendez spoke to Inside MMA about his upcoming UFC lightweight title fight with Ben Henderson, scheduled for later this year on Fox. In the interview he gave some insight into what he thinks he’ll have to do to get the win and his feelings when he was told he’d be getting a shot to be champion in the UFC.
On Henderson:
He’s a great wrestler. A great kicker. Great tactics. But most of all, I have to be super focused. I have to be super strong and uh…I have to beat him in that mental game.
On if he has to prepare for Benson’s deep gas tank and ability to fight hard all five rounds:
100%, but just knowing…having a title fight in the UFC. I’m motivated as heck. I want to run, I want to spar, I want to train. Yeah, it’s unbelievable that it’s finally happening. I thought I was gonna be more excited when they said ‘hey you’re going to be fighting for the UFC title,’ more happy. But, in fact, I’m just…a little more focused, it’s a different feeling. I’ll be a lot more happy when I win the title.