Back at UFC 188, former Strikeforce champion Gilbert Melendez lost a controversial split decision to Eddie Alvarez. In addition to the decision being controversial, Melendez tested positive for testosterone metabolites.
Now, nearly a year later, Melendez’ suspension is up, and he’s gearing up for his UFC on FOX 20 scrap against Edson Barboza on July 23rd in Chicago.
Melendez spoke on The MMA Hour about his failed drug test:
“Well, you know what, I really don’t want to go down a rabbit hole or anything like that, but the gist of it is I made a mistake,” Melendez told Ariel Helwani during Monday’s edition of The MMA Hour (transcription via MMA Fighting). “I made a mistake that won’t happen again, and I’m not proud of it. I’m doing my best to move on from it, and I’m hoping everyone else can, and it’s understandable if they can’t.”
advertisement – continue reading below“But I just want to do everything in my power to prove that I am still a warrior and I’m a great fighter and just wanting to move forward, to be honest.”
Melendez will look to rebound from back to back losses inside the Octagon, while Barboza will look to build on his unanimous decision win over Anthony Pettis at UFC 197, and potentially earn a title shot.