UFC News: Gilbert Melendez to fight Al Iaquinta in San Diego

Just days after a tough luck split decision loss to Eddie Alvarez at this past Saturday’s UFC 188, former Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez will return to action in rapid fashion, signing ont o battle “Ragin'” Al Iaquinta at UFC Fight Night: San Diego on July 15th. MMA Fighting’s Ariel Helwani broke the news Wednesday night.

Melendez (22-5) replaces Bobby Green who pulled out Wednesday due to an injury. He is just 1-3 in the UFC with losses to Benson Henderson and Anthony Pettis in championship fights, and Alvarez on Saturday. His sole victory was a fight of the year candidate against Diego Sanchez last October.

The 28-year-old Iaquinta (12-3-1) has won four straight with three TKOs, and seven of his last eight overall. He got a lot of attention for his recent post-fight comments to the Virginia faithful after a tight split decision win over Jorge Masvidal. 

The San Diego/Fox Sports One card features Frank Mir vs. Todd Duffee in the main event, Melendez vs. Iaquinta in the co-main event, Josh Thomson vs. Tony Ferguson, and Holly Holm vs. Marion Reneau.