UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis (17-2 MMA, 4-1 UFC) will be back in action by year’s end, attempting his first title defense against onetime title challenger Gilbert Melendez (22-3 MMA, 1-1 UFC). UFC President Dana White made the announcement today during a news conference held in Puerto Rico, where he also touted Pettis’ return to the country for a fight in 2015. Pettis appeared earlier this month at a UFC Q&A and said he was still on the mend from a surgery to repair a torn PCL he suffered in his title-winning performance against Benson Henderson at this past August’s UFC 164. The UFC originally expected the new champ to return in July and contemplated pairing him against Jose Aldo, but then settled on Melendez, who will coach “The Ultimate Fighter 19″ opposite Pettis in advance of their fight. The year-end event has yet to receive a confirmed date or venue, but is expected for Las Vegas and is likely to be UFC 182.
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Anthony Pettis vs. Gilbert Melendez confirmed for UFC’s end-of-year event – MMA Junkie