By james art 
Gilbert Melendes, known as “El Nino” in the world of mixed martial arts, has left an indelible mark on sports.
From his early days in Strikeforce to his stay in UFC, Melendez is a force that they have to comply with in the lightweight category. Let’s dive into the life and career of this veteran in MMA.
Gilbert Melens biography
| detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Gilbert Melens |
| Nickname | El Nino |
| native | April 12, 1982 |
| Age | 43 |
| college | State University of San Francisco |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5’9 ″ (1.75 m) |
| I became a professional | 2002 |
| Net | Approximately $ 500,000 |
| Relationship status | married |
| spouse | Carrie Ann Taylor-Melnses |
| Instagram profile | @gilbertmelendez |
Early career
The journey of Gilbert Melendes in the mixed martial arts begins after college, when his friend and fighter Jake Shields introduces him to sports.
Born in Santa Anna, California, Melens has experience in the fight against her high school days. Initially, he visited the State University of San Francisco with plans to become a teacher, but MMA’s charm changed the trajectory of his career.
The natural athleticism and the racing spirit of Melendez quickly became a success in the cage, laying the basis for a remarkable professional career.
Professional career
Melendes made his professional debut in 2002 and quickly created a name in various promotions. He found early success at the World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC), where he became a lightweight champion.
Melendez’s striking power and grappling skills have made it one of the most awesome lightweight players outside the UFC. In 2013, Melendez made his long -awaited UFC debut by immediately fighting for the lightweight title against Benson Henderson.
Although losing a judge’s decision, Melendez has proven to be able to compete with the best in the world promotion. He continued to have several memorable battles in the UFC, including the battle of the evening against Diego Sanchez.
Wife
Gilbert Melendes is married to Carrie Ann Taylor-Mellandes, who is also a professional fighter. The couple has been together for many years and has a daughter named Leila Valentina Melens.
Carrie Ann competed in both kickboxing and MMA, which makes them a real combat family.
Details of the net value of Gilbert Melens
By 2025, the net condition of Gilbert Melens was estimated at about $ 500,000.
Pursuit
| Event | opponent | Purse |
|---|---|---|
| UFC 215 | Jeremy Stevens | $ 200,000 |
| UFC 188 | Eddie Alvarez | $ 200,000 |
| UFC 181 | Anthony Petis | $ 200,000 |
| UFC on Fox 7 | Bobson Henderson | $ 175,000 |
| Strikeforce: Mellens vs. Masvaldan | Morehadel | $ 150,000 |
Confirmation
Throughout his career, Gilbert Melens has had several contracts for approval, including:
- Reaibok (During the UFC partnership with the brand)
- Fairtx (sponsor of facilities)
- Metal mulisha (sponsor of clothes)
- Ventilated (current UFC clothing partner)
Career records
| Opponent | Result | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Bobson Henderson | Loss (a separate decision) | UFC on Fox 7 |
| Diego Sanchez | Victory (unanimous decision) | UFC 166 |
| Anthony Petis | Loss (submission) | UFC 181 |
| Eddie Alvarez | Loss (a separate decision) | UFC 188 |
| Edson Barbose | Loss (unanimous decision) | UFC on Fox 20 |
| Jeremy Stevens | Loss (unanimous decision) | UFC 215 |
| Arnold Allen | Loss (unanimous decision) | UFC 239 |
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the most famous battle of Gilbert Melens?
The most famous battle of Gilbert Melendez is considered his match against Diego Sanchez on the UFC 166 in 2013. This exciting back and forth battle won the night battle and is often cited as one of the greatest battles in UFC history.
2.
Gilbert Melens won the StrikeForce lightweight title twice. He first won the title in 2006 and returned it in 2009, defending it several times before the promotion was acquired by UFC.
3. Has Gilbert Melens ever won the UFC title?
No, Gilbert Melendez has never won the UFC title. He is fighting for the UFC lightweight title in his promotional debut against Benson Henderson, but lost with a judge’s decision.
4. What is the experience of Gilbert Melens in martial arts?
Gilbert Melens has experience in the fight against his high school days. He later moved to MMA, developing a well-rounded set of skills, including shocks, wrestling and Brazilian Ji-jitsu.
5. How did Gilbert Melendez contribute to MMA out of battle?
Outside of the battles, Gilbert Melendez has contributed to MMA as the owner of a gym, coach and television operator. He owns the El Niño Training Center in San Francisco and has worked as an analyst and commentator on various MMA promotions and shows.
6. What is the relationship of Gilbert Melens with the Diaz brothers?
Gilbert Melens is a long -standing training partner and friend of Nick and Nate Diaz. They were all part of Skrap Pack, a group of fighters who trained together in Northern California.
7. Has Gilbert Melens competed in other martial arts besides MMA?
Although Gilbert Melendez is known mainly for his career at MMA, he also competed in Subshair Grappling matches. However, he did not compete professionally in other martial arts such as boxing or kickboxing.
8. What was the record of Gilbert Melens in Strikeforce?
At StrikeForce Gilbert Melendez, he collected an impressive 11-1 record, with his only loss from Josh Thomson in their first date. He later avenged this loss in two subsequent rematch.
9. When did Gilbert Melendez withdraw from MMA?
Melendes withdrew from the professional MMA after his last battle on July 6, 2019 against Arnold Allen on the UFC 239.
10. Has Gilbert Melens received any prohibitions or disputes during his career?
Yes, in 2015 he gave a positive sample for prohibited substances after his battle against Eddie Alvarez on UFC 188 and received a one -year stopping