Melendez on Planning for Life After Fighting
Gilbert Melendez urged fighters to plan for life beyond competition, drawing on his own transition after his final bout in 2019. In a December 2024 interview, he encouraged younger athletes to think beyond the length of their fighting careers.
Speaking with MMA Junkie Radio, Melendez said his own early career plan ended at age 35; later, he set a new plan through age 60. He advised fighters to consider a 40- or 50-year horizon and look at ways to keep using their skills after competition, including coaching, private training, or promoting.
Melendez won and defended the Strikeforce lightweight title and challenged for a major-promotional championship. His final contest was a unanimous-decision loss to Arnold Allen in Las Vegas on July 6, 2019.
In a 2026 interview with MMA Fighting, Melendez said the first year at home was difficult and that he felt bored and uncertain at first. He already had commentary work, a gym, and other income streams in place, which helped him prepare for life after fighting.
Sources: MMA Junkie Radio: Melendez’s advice to fighters; Official results: Melendez vs. Arnold Allen; MMA Fighting: Melendez on life after competition.
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Tags: MMA
