Gilbert Melendez vs. Josh Thomson Strikeforce fight booked for June 27

by MMAmania.com on Apr 25, 2008 9:49 AM EDT

Strikeforce Lightweight Champion Gilbert Melendez (14-1) and Josh Thomson (14-2) are booked to scrap during the main event at the HP Pavillion in San Jose, Calif., on Friday June 27.

The 155-pound tilt between "Bay-area archrivals" was supposed to go down on March 29; however, "The Punk" has to undergo surgery to repair a left shoulder injury. "El Nino" went on to defend his title against Gabe Lemley with a second round technical knockout.

Here's a snip from Melendez:

"This is a very big fight for the fans, for the promotion and for Josh and me. Josh is a great fighter, but I’m the champ and I plan on remaining the champ for a long time."

Thomson is on a six-fight win streak, finishing five of those fights inside the distance mostly with submissions. He stopped Adam Lynn with a technical knockout his last time out at Strikeforce: "Playboy Mansion" in September 2007.

Here's a snip from Thomason:

"This fight with Gilbert has been a long time coming and we’re ready to do it. It’s not as if we need a feeling out period. We both know each other very well. We’ve trained together, we’ve sparred together. We’re gonna come out ready for five rounds, but we’re gonna bang it out."

Oh yeah ... this is a dynamite match up between two of the most exciting 155-pound fighters in the world. Can't wait.

Stay tuned for more details.

To purchase tickets for the "mega-card" head over to StubHub.com or Ticketmaster.com right now.

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Comments

This is a fight I can’t wait to see. Josh Thompson is easily to 10 maybe even top 5 lightweight in the world. I like him for this one.

by Getrawbc on Apr 25, 2008 10:39 AM EDT reply actions

ElNino based on scrambling , slick groundwork, & gnp. minus 250 or better, and i’m on it.

by kama kaze on Apr 25, 2008 11:21 AM EDT reply actions

This is going to be a great fight! I know it’s not going to happen any time soon, but I’d like to see these guys scrap with some of the UFC 155ers.

by TonyDrip on Apr 25, 2008 11:45 AM EDT reply actions

or Gomi :)

by kama kaze on Apr 25, 2008 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Absolutely!

by TonyDrip on Apr 25, 2008 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Is this event only going to be broadcast on the EliteXC website, or will it be on Showtime? I would prefer to see it on a 47" LCD TV instead of a 6" window on my computer screen…

Josh Da Punk Thompson is a excellent MMA fighter. However, I think that Gilbert is just too much for even Da Punk to handle. Gilbert is like a LHW jammmed into a big WW’s body, but still cuts down to LW. He is too big and too strong.

by ViolentMike on Apr 25, 2008 12:14 PM EDT reply actions

Vm: I agree that Josh is a very tough and skilled fighter but El Nino is a monster at that weight class. It will be a greta fight but I dont see Gilbert loosing it!

Any chance it airs on NBC?

by john on Apr 25, 2008 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions