Looks like everything could work out in the long run for one Strikeforce champion heading to the UFC.

UFC President Dana White told a small group of reporters at a pre-UFC 155 media conference that Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez has a good shot to challenge UFC lightweight title holder Benson Henderson in his first bout inside the Octagon.

MMA Fighting reported the news first: “It will probably come right away," White said of the timing of Melendez’s title shot. "We'll see."

In a recent interview with Bleacher Report, “El Nino” expressed his desire to fight Henderson for the UFC gold, stating his opinion that “Bendo” was not truly the top lightweight in the world until he defeated him.

Melendez boasts a 21-2 professional record, avenging both of his losses to Josh Thompson and Mitsuhiro Ishida. He is currently riding a seven-fight win streak in Strikeforce, though his rubber match with Thompson in May was a hotly-contested split decision as many felt the challenger did enough to win.

Meanwhile, Henderson is a perfect 6-0 in the UFC, defeating the likes of Frankie Edgar (twice), Jim Miller, Clay Guida and Nate Diaz.

Diaz, who fought Henderson at UFC on FOX 5 earlier in the month, is a training partner of Melendez at the Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu school in California. He arguably lost the most lop-sided decision to Bendo out of all the aforementioned fighters.

Melendez was originally scheduled to defend his Strikeforce title against Pat Healy at the final card for the promotion on Jan. 12, but a separated shoulder caused him to withdraw from the bout.

Without any other challengers lined up at the moment, a Henderson vs. Melendez showdown is tough to argue.