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Anthony Pettis becomes first to submit Gilbert Melendez, keeps belt

LAS VEGAS -- Anthony Pettis insisted that his 15-month layoff since his last bout would have no impact upon him. And after submitting No. 1 contender Gilbert Melendez less than two minutes into the second round of their lightweight title fight at UFC 181 at Mandalay Bay, it was hard to argue.

Melendez, the former Strikeforce champion and one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, shot in on Pettis in the decisive sequence. Pettis appeared ready and got Melendez in a guillotine. He quickly forced Melendez to tap, the first time in a 12-year career Melendez was finished.

Anthony Pettis (red) defeats Gilbert Melendez (blue) during UFC 181. (USAT)
Anthony Pettis (red) defeats Gilbert Melendez (blue) during UFC 181. (USAT)

Asked what message he wanted to send to other lightweight contenders, Pettis cut to the chase.

"I just showed the message right there," Pettis said. "The No. 1 guy in the world [and I finished him in] two rounds."

It was a good first round and Melendez had more than his share of moments. He took Pettis down and also landed a series of good punches.

But the harder, more impactful strikes were coming from Pettis.

"He was fast, striking tight in the pocket," Melendez said. "I was trying to load up on that punch and he popped in that jab."

Pettis hurt Melendez several times, once with a right hand and another time with a kick. He seemed unsettled at first when Melendez came after him, but that was part of Melendez's strategy.

Pettis is a striker, but Melendez wanted to make him trade.

"I wanted to stay in his face and bang it out, and try to test his chin as much as possible," Melendez said. "He's good and quick."

Pettis, 27, has made a phenomenal rise. He won the title last year in his hometown of Milwaukee, finishing Benson Henderson in the first round with an arm bar.

On Saturday, he was just as impressive in beating a guy no one else could really handle. Melendez was coming off a dynamic win over Diego Sanchez that some thought was the 2013 Fight of the Year.

But Pettis showed he's unquestionably the best at 155 pounds.

"GIl is tough,and he was throwing heat," Pettis said. "I give big ups to Gilbert. I've been watching him a long time. When I was a kid, I was watching him. But now I'm here."

And it's going to take one exceptional fighter to get past him.