Gilbert Melendez’s left leg took a hammering at UFC 215, but the former Strikeforce lightweight champion is making a quick recovery.
Melendez, who returned to the Octagon after spending over a year on the sidelines, was battered by Jeremy Stephens at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, but hung in there until the final bell.
The 35-year-old was dropped several times due to leg kicks, and his wife, Keri, shared a photo of the swelling the day after.
Hey All. Everyone is asking about Gilbert’s leg. Here is a pic today. He is doing A ok. Thank you to all for the support. We feel the love pic.twitter.com/VQpNj7JlTO
— KeriMelendez (@KeriMelendez415) September 11, 2017
But, five days on from the fight and the swelling has vastly reduced, as Keri posted another update on social media. There is, however, some discoloration which is expected to clear up in the coming days.
Update on Gilbert’s leg for all the supportive fans. Still sore but we are getting better. Blood is spreading throughout the leg. pic.twitter.com/QQFFHS4HPr
— KeriMelendez (@KeriMelendez415) September 14, 2017
UFC 215 marked ‘El Niño’s’ fourth straight loss, and the Cesar Gracie black belt is no longer ranked in the top lightweight or featherweight rankings.
Melendez fought then-champion Anthony Pettis for the UFC lightweight title in 2014, but lost via second-round guillotine choke. The Californian was suspended for 12-months the following year after testing positive for testosterone metabolites and lost in his return fight against Edson Barboza.
Despite going through a rough patch and being almost fully immobilized by ‘Lil Heathen’, Melendez has still never been stopped via strikes and put on a gutsy performance at UFC 215.
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