Gilbert Melendez steps in to face Al Iaquinta at UFC Fight Night in San Diego
Following a close split-decision loss in his fight with Eddie Alvarez at UFC 188, Gilbert Melendez will make a quick turnaround to face Al Iaquinta at UFC Fight Night in San Diego airing live on FOX Sports 1 from San Diego on July 15.
UFC officials announced the fight on FOX Sports Live on Wednesday night.
Melendez steps in to replace Bobby Green, who was removed from the fight due to injury earlier in the day on Wednesday.
Melendez was embroiled in a nasty grudge match with Alvarez leading into his fight last weekend in Mexico City before nearly ending the fight in the first round with a huge elbow strike that shattered his opponent's nose and damaged his eye as well.
Unfortunately, the elevation in Mexico City drained Melendez's oxygen following a hard fought first round, and he wasn't able to stave off Alvarez's attacks in rounds two and three and it ultimately cost him the fight.
Now, Melendez will look to break his recent two fight losing streak as he returns to action in July to face Al Iaquinta in San Diego.
Melendez vs. Iaquinta will serve as the co-main event for the UFC Fight Night card from San Diego headlined by former heavyweight champion Frank Mir against Todd Duffee.
