Report: Benson Henderson targeted to face Gilbert Melendez at UFC on FOX 7

UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson signed a new contract with the UFC over the weekend and the organization is now targeting to have him headlined another UFC on FOX fight card.

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

According to a report on MMAFighting.com, the UFC is targeting to have the two lightweight champions to meet at UFC on FOX 7 on April 20th.

UFC on FOX 7 is expected to take place at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, which has hosted a UFC event in the past.

Henderson (18-2) has won all six of his UFC fights and became the UFC lightweight champion at UFC 144 last year when he defeated Frankie Edgar by unanimous decision. He would end up having an immediate rematch against Edgar, which he won a controversial split decision.

His last title defense came at UFC on FOX 5 against Nate Diaz and he dominated the fight to get a unanimous decision victory. It was his sixth straight win by decision and his last stoppage victory came in the WEC when he defeated Donald Cerrone by submission in 2010.

If Melendez (21-2) ends up facing Henderson on April 20th, he will likely be the only Strikeforce champion coming to the UFC that will get an immediate title shot. He is currently on a seven fight winning streak and has been dealing with a shoulder injury over the past couple of months.

Melendez is considered one of the top lightweight fighters in the world and has stated since UFC on FOX 5, that he wanted his first fight in the UFC to be against Henderson. It appears that he has gotten his wish and he will be able to prove that he is the best lightweight fighter in the world.