Gilbert Melendez (born April 12, 1982) is an American mixed martial artist who formerly competed in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Before becoming a professional fighter, he worked as a waiter and he also had a job at a Fairtex gear shop, which would later be one of his sponsors.

Melendez made his debut in the World Extreme Cagefighting and started off his career dominating his opponents, winning his first three career fights all by knockout due to punches before receiving an opportunity to fight for the first WEC Lightweight Championship against fan-favorite Olaf Alfonso at WEC 10.

Melendez won the bout by TKO due to punches and became the first WEC Lightweight Champion.

He followed this up with two more TKO wins in Shooto to bring his record to 8-0 before making his Strikeforce debut against Harris Sarmiento, which Melendez won after his opponent tapped out due to punches received.

Melendez won the Strikeforce Lightweight Championship from future UFC veteran Clay Guida by a split decision on June 9, 2006.

On December 19, 2009, Melendez fought Josh Thomson to unify the Strikeforce Lightweight Championship belts.

[8] Melendez dominated his opponent showing excellent striking, knocking down Kawajiri with a right hand near the beginning of the fight.

UFC president Dana White briefly put the bout in question when he revealed to reporters that he was working to bring Melendez into the UFC fold "ASAP" with the possibility of Melendez entering with an immediate shot at the belt.

Thomson, although not pleased with the decision, showed class in defeat by asking the crowd to stop booing and support the local fighter.

Melendez was expected to face Pat Healy for the Strikeforce Lightweight Championship on September 29, 2012, in Sacramento, California.

[25] Melendez was tabbed as a short notice replacement to face Al Iaquinta on July 15, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 71, taking the place of Bobby Green.

[26] However, Melendez was removed from the card on July 6 after it was revealed that he tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs after his previous fight at UFC 188.

In addition, Melendez was suspended for one year from the date of the bout for violation of the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy.

[32] Melendez was scheduled to face Arnold Allen on November 30, 2018, at The Ultimate Fighter 28 Finale.

[41] Melendez starred alongside teammates Jake Shields and the Diaz brothers in the award-winning mixed martial arts documentary Fight Life, the film is directed by James Z. Feng and produced by RiLL Films, it was released in 2013.