After a nine-month absence, MMA veteran Gilbert Melendez made his return at UFC 239 on Saturday against young up-and-comer Arnold Allen. “El Niño” ended up losing via unanimous decision, marking his fifth straight defeat since 2014.
Now 37 years of age, the former Strikeforce champion recognizes his place in the current food chain, alongside his younger contemporaries.
“I’m someone who’s always had friends and love and fighting didn’t define me,” Melendez told ESPN colleague Brett Okamoto in a post-fight interview. “I have a beautiful, wonderful wife, I have a family that’s supported me, and I have a great community of people at my gym.