There was a time not too long ago that UFC President Dana White proclaimed he wanted Strikeforce Lightweight Champion Gilbert Melendez fighting inside the Octagon "ASAP."

But that didn't happen.

In fact, "El Nino" will be defending his belt on Dec. 17 against Jorge Masvidal at the next Strikeforce event in San Diego. So what's the explanation for his not going to the UFC?

"There really was no real explanation except we still got business with Showtime and Strikeforce and this and that. But there wasn't much questions asked on my part. I'm kind of a soldier here, I let the managers deal with all that. I, basically, was there to just state my case and let everyone know I'm ready. I'm ready for the big stage. I'm ready for all challenges. Let me know. I'm ready to do work and put some entertaining fights on for the fans, too."

Assuming he gets past Masvidal next month, it's hard to imagine a scenario that doesn't involve Melendez coming over to the UFC, possibly for a title unification bout. Perhaps he'll meet the winner of the Frankie Edgar vs. Ben Henderson fight going down at UFC 144 in Japan?