Source: MMA Weekly

Cesar Gracie has confirmed that Gilbert Melendez will be returning to action May 19 and will be on the same card as the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix Final between Josh Barnett and Daniel Cormier. Although an opponent has not been named, Gracie expects the challenger to be from the UFC specifically naming either BJ Penn or Anthony Pettis. Penn has not fought since losing to Cesar Gracie disciple Nick Diaz in October of 2011 and Pettis last knocked out Joe Lauzon this past February in Japan. Two other contenders from the Strikeforce rank include Josh Thompson who beat KJ Noons and Pat Healy who defeated Carlos Fodor. Considering how easily Melendez has beaten Strikeforce competition, bringing in a UFC contender would make sense but don’t look to Showtime to make the right decision considering their past choices.

Update 4/2/2012: Gilbert Melendez vs Josh Thomson part 3 will be the co-main event on May 19 from San Jose, CA. Melendez and his head trainer Cesar Gracie were expecting a UFC opponent but that never came through. Melendez and Thomson each have one victory over the other and will settle the score next month.

Update 5/13/2012: Gil said in an interview that he is not likely to make an appearance in the UFC in the next two years. Gil has four fights left with Strikeforce, after that time, he is a gree agent and will most likely make his debut with the UFC.