In a recent interview, Gilbert Melendez said that he is not scared of his December 6 match-up against lightweight champion Anthony Pettis at UFC 181.
The fighter told Fight Hub TV that while he expects Pettis to use new techniques against him, he knows how to handle them and will not let his opponent secure a mental advantage over him.
“He is doing crazy different things,” Melendez said. “I adapt really well and I handle things well and I prepare really well. I have had some battles but I am always prepared. I expect him to do some stuff but I honestly feel like I am more well-rounded and I have more tools and I have more experience and I got a lot of heart. I am just not scared of him. I feel like a lot of times, he has beaten people mentally. They are scared of his kick. I am not scared of it. I am a durable guy and I take punishment well. I am going to put the pressure on this guy and take the fight to him.”
Melendez fought Benson Henderson in his UFC debut and dropped a close decision in that title fight. Since then he defeated Diego Sanchez in a brutal war of attrition.
