LAS VEGAS – Gilbert Melendez has officially had his hand raised just once in six UFC fights, but he said he’s able to feel better about that record when putting it into proper context.

Sitting on a four-fight skid and coming off the longest layoff of his fighting career, Melendez (22-7 MMA, 1-5 UFC) returns to competition on Saturday at UFC 239 when he meets rising featherweight Arnold Allen (14-1 MMA, 5-0 UFC).

Despite it being nearly six years since he emerged the victor from a fight, Melendez thinks his record is deceiving. Because of that, he said he has much more confidence than an athlete with a 1-5 UFC record should.

“My record says one thing, but let’s be honest,” Melendez told MMA Junkie at UFC 239 media day. “I fought Benson Henderson, I think I beat him. I beat Diego (Sanchez) after that. Yes, I lost to (Anthony) Pettis, and then I fought Eddie (Alvarez). I think I beat Eddie, too. I had it tough with (Edson) Barboza and I had it tough with Jeremy Stephens. I don’t think my record really says it, but I’m also fighting, and I’m not getting knocked out. I’m going the distance with some of the best. Pettis is the only guy who’s ever finished me. I’m proud of what I’ve done.

“When I assess it all, it doesn’t bother me. Other people will just look at something, but most fighters who know, and most of my peers who respect me know what I’ve accomplished and what I’ve done. That’s why I’m still here with a 1-5 record in the UFC, because I come to fight and I’m a competitor.”

UFC 239 takes place at T-Mobile Arena. Melendez vs. Allen is the featured prelim on ESPN, which airs after early prelims on ESPN+/UFC Fight Pass and prior to the pay-per-view main card.

Melendez, 37, makes his return to the action against Allen, who is 12 years his junior and has yet to lose in his UFC career. The Brit will be looking to make his name at the expense of the former Strikeforce champion, but Melendez said he’s embracing the task.

“Tough challenge for myself,” Melendez said of Allen. “He’s a young lion, no doubt in my mind – 5-0 (in the UFC), very athletic, moves very good, good movement, good boxer, finds a way to win. He can grapple. He can do it all. I think where he lacks is just the experience and fighting the greats. I’ve fought the best of the best out there, and I really believe that’ll make the difference for me.”

Melendez has admitted that during his 22-month break from the sport, he put some honest thought into retirement. He determined it wasn’t the time yet, though, and he said he comes to UFC 239 completely committed to finding success.

Melendez said his future likely depends on the result he experiences on Saturday, and that’s why he won’t spend a second of time speculating on his future beyond throwing fists with Allen.

“I’m not trying to use this is a springboard to anything,” Melendez said. “I’m honestly just focused on this one fight right here. I don’t have any plans after this. Right now I’m just planning on getting a fight with Arnold Allen. He’s a tough youngster out there, and I think that’s all I can handle right now – just focusing on him and fighting him.”

To hear more from Melendez, check out the video above.

For more on UFC 239, check out the UFC schedule.