Gilbert Melendez in to face Al Iaquinta

It’s going to be a quick turnaround for Gilbert Melendez as the lightweight will return to action at UFC Fight Night 71, taking on Al Iaquinta.

The fight was announced on Fox Sports Live.

Iaquinta (12-3-1 MMA, 7-2 UFC) was set to face Bobby Green at the event, but an injury to Green knocked him out of his co-main event slot. Iaquinta is currently riding a four-fight winning streak, most recently edging out a controversial split decision over Jorge Masvidal at UFC Fight Night 63, a fight that is mostly remembered for Iaquinta’s post fight explosion at the booing fans in the arena.

Melendez (22-5 MMA, 1-3 UFC) fought this past weekend at UFC 188, dropping a close unanimous decision to Eddie Alvarez. The loss was Melendez’s second straight and third in his last four outings. UFC Fight Night 71 will take place a mere four weeks after the loss to Alvarez.

UFC Fight Night 71 takes place July 15 at Valley View Casino Center in San Diego. The majority of the card is expected to air on FOX Sports 1 following early prelims on UFC Fight Pass.

http://mmajunkie.com/2015/06/gilbert-melendez-in-to-face-al-iaquinta-at-ufc-fight-night-71

i hate to say this but i am going with raging al on this one..

Great opportunity for Al.

I think it all depends on where Gil's head is at... 1-3 since signing with the UFC, his only win is over Diego.... fuck... that's a mental upward climb and a half...

i love gil as a fighter but he seems different these days. actually all of the guys from his camp seem to have lost something. they all became one dimensional

I actually think this is a huge mismatch. I'm betting Melendez is gonna throttle him.