Gilbert Melendez will return to face Edson Barboza at UFC On FOX 20 in Chicago on July 23rd.
Melendez will be coming off a year-long performance-enhancing drug suspension by the time the event comes around, after testing positive for testosterone metaboloties following a split decision loss to Eddie Alvarez at UFC 188 in June of last year.
That had been the former Strikeforce lightweight champion’s third loss in four fights since joining the UFC in 2013, having also been defeated by Ben Henderson and Anthony Pettis, while claiming a vicory over Diego Sanchez.
Melendez will make his comeback against Barboza who will be running high on confidence after soundly beating former champion Anthony Pettis by unanimous decision after a striking battle at UFC 197 just a few weeks ago.
Barboza’s form has been somewhat inconsistent of late, alternating between wins over the likes of Bobby Green and Paul Felder, and losses to higher level opposition in Tony Ferguson and Michael Johnson, so he’ll be hoping that the win over Pettis is a turning point for him.
Alvarez Vs Barboza joins a rapidly expanding UFC On FOX 20 fight card that’s set to be headlined by Holly Holm Vs Valentina Shevchenko, with Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson Vs Glover Teixeira expected to serve as the co-main event of the evening.
