Strikeforce just announced that current lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez will fight Josh Thompson at the next Strikeforce event this June.
“El Nino” and “The Punk” were originally scheduled to fight on the last Strikeforce fight card, but Thompson had to withdraw due to a shoulder injury.
Melendez bounced back from his first loss successfully this past March when he dominated Gabe Lemley via strikes in the second round an the Strikeforce-EliteXC: Shamrock vs Le event. Prior to losing his first fight against Mitsuhiro Ishida last New Year’s Eve, Melendez had run off 13 straight victories to start his career.
Josh Thompson is an excellent lightweight and has been fighting professionally since early 2001. On a 6 fight winning streak, Thompson’s last loss came against Clay Guida back in March of 2006.
This should be an excellent fight and I can really see both fighters walking away with the victory. Thompson has the excellent submission game while Melendez is known for his striking.
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