The news was originally reported by Globo on Wednesday, and was confirmed by MMAFighting later.
Barboza (17-4 MMA, 11-4 UFC) is coming off the best performance in his career at UFC 197, where the Brazilian took home a decision victory after battering former UFC Lightweight Champion Anthony Pettis for three rounds. Prior to that, Barboza engaged in a back and forth war with Tony Ferguson before succumbing to a D’arce choke. Two of Barboza’s last three fights have earned ‘Fight of the Night’ honors.
Melendez (22-3 MMA, 1-2 UFC) made his highly anticipated UFC debut in April of 2013, and due to his successful career as Strikeforce Lightweight Champion, was given an immediate title shot. Melendez went five hard rounds with then champion Benson Henderson and lost a razor thin decision. Melendez then faced Diego Sanchez, and took home a decision in one of the best fights of the year. Melendez then fought for the strap again, this time against Anthony Pettis, he lost the bout via submission in the second round. Most recently, Melendez faced Eddie Alvarez and lost the bout via split decision. Melendez failed a post fight drug test for performance enhancing drugs and was suspended for one year.
UFC on FOX 20 takes place live from the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Here is the fight card so far:
- Alex Oliveira vs. James Moontasri – Welterweight
- George Sullivan vs. Hector Urbina – Welterweight
- Ryan LaFlare vs. Alexander Yakovlev – Welterweight
- Luis Henrique vs. Dmitry Smolyakov – Heavyweight
