Gilbert Melendez set to rematch Strikeforce lightweight champion Josh Thompson on April 11

by Jesse Holland on Feb 24, 2009 8:06 PM EST

MMAmania.com has been able to confirm that former Strikeforce Lightweight Champion Gilbert Melendez (14-2) will rematch current Strikeforce 155-pound champ Josh Thompson (16-2) on the main card of the new-look Strikeforce debut show on April 11 in San Jose, California.

Thompson was originally in talks to face former EliteXC lightweight title holder KJ Noons, however "King" Karl opted to continue with his boxing career after scoring a decisive unanimous decision victory over Alejandro Bogarin in his return to the sweet science last November.

"El Nino" has not seen action since losing his title in a decisive unanimous decision to "The Punk" last June. The loss was only the second of his sparkling 16-fight career, which includes notable wins over Hiroyuki Takaya, Clay Guida, Tatsuya Kawajiri and others.

His only other defeat came via unanimous decision to Mitsuhiro Ishida at Yarennoka on New Years Eve 2007. Ishida has since signed with Strikeforce and made a successful debut for the promotion with a first round submission win over Justin Wilcox last September.

After capturing the title from Melendez, Thompson defeated Ashe Bowman (first round technical knockout win) at "Strikeforce at the Mansion II" in 2008.

"The Punk" is a worthy champion with an extremely versatile attack. Twelve of his 16 career wins have been by some form of stoppage (four technical knockouts and eight submissions). He holds notable career wins over Duane "Bang" Ludwig, "Razor" Rob McCullough, Hermes Franca, Nam Phan and Melendez.

The April 11 card will feature Nick Diaz and Frank Shamrock facing off in the evening’s main event at a catchweight of 179 pounds. Also sceduled to do battle is Scott Smith as he faces Benji Radach and Joe Riggs taking on former EliteXC Welterweight Champion Jake Shields.

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yeah, this fight has been made official!

Dunno who will win the rematch. could go either way. My gut tells me El Nino!

by john on Feb 24, 2009 8:08 PM EST reply actions

I still haven’t seen that fight, so i have no technical insight into how this one might go besides your typical striking vs wrestling. From what i read though the punk nullified the wrestling good last outing.

by NameNotRequired on Feb 24, 2009 8:17 PM EST up reply actions

NNR, that fight was all Thompson! No reason to believe that this fight will be any different.

by JV on Feb 24, 2009 8:37 PM EST up reply actions

I’m picking Thompson in this one. It sounds crazy but Melendez has never really impressed me. I mean he’s definitely good and better than most. For sure hovering on the cusp of my 155 top 10 list but……..I just don’t see him getting past an Aoki, BJ Penn, Sherk, Sanchez, Florian, Ishida (who he already lost to) and I even think Joe Stevenson could take him. I could be wrong but the last couple of fights I saw of his appeared to me like he’s already peaked and probably wont improve much anytime soon.

by Machine on Feb 25, 2009 8:56 AM EST up reply actions

Machine: Gilbert is still a puppy. I doubt that he has already peaked. The LW division is no joke….NO one besides BJ is capable of being dominant at that weight class. I dont know if Gilbert would beat all the fighters that you listed, but I do know that Gilbert belongs in there against the very best.

I would love to see Gilbert vs. Joe Daddy!

As for his up coming fight with tHompson: Its a tough one to call. I wont promise that Gilbert will win, but I do know that it wont be as easy for tHompson as it was in their 1st fight!

by john on Feb 25, 2009 10:24 AM EST up reply actions

Maybe I’m being too hard on him or maybe I’m looking at the wrong aspects of his game. I’m not one who usually judges a fighter quickly so I’ll keep an eye on him until I see a couple more matches against ranked competition. Josh could be his kryptonite so regardless of that outcome, I’ll wait until his next fight to really start critiquing. Hopefully it’ll be against Alvarez, Cavalcante or Joachim. Anyone know how many fights Gilbert has left on his contract?

by Machine on Feb 25, 2009 11:01 AM EST up reply actions

As much as i like Melendez, i have to agree with you JV. Melendez is a great fighter. i watched him fight live at WEC 10 Bragging Rights, Where he took out Olaf Alfanzo. But Josh completly out classed him in their first bout and i think he will do the same in this one. Like you said Gilbert have given us no reason to think any different.

by belfort_fan on Feb 25, 2009 1:43 PM EST up reply actions

Would rather it have been Noons. But at least they found a decent replacement.

by Amos on Feb 24, 2009 8:10 PM EST reply actions

Cool stuff
I hope to see this fight somewhee on the net. Saw the replay of the original only recently. I’d say the Punk’ll finish him this time round

by IrishKev on Feb 24, 2009 8:10 PM EST reply actions

This card is shaping up nicely!

by Toad on Feb 24, 2009 8:15 PM EST reply actions

FREAKING SWEET! I still say punk… but melendez is a MONSTER. hopefully noons will get KO’ed while boxing and decide to take his MMA career more seriously.

by joe k. on Feb 24, 2009 8:18 PM EST reply actions

I was hoping for Ishida vs Thompson or Melendez ever since Ishida made his Strikeforce debut last year, but a rematch between Thompson and Melendez is just as good, if not better.

by Belisarius on Feb 24, 2009 8:50 PM EST reply actions

Weak. Thompson will wreck him.

by El Mexicutioner, formerly The Mexicutioner on Feb 24, 2009 9:34 PM EST reply actions

Melendez is not weak if thats what u were saying.

by belfort_fan on Feb 25, 2009 1:45 PM EST up reply actions

I think Thompson will win this again. This fight doesn’t seem too relevant but it’s a good card overall.

by Chris on Feb 24, 2009 9:48 PM EST reply actions

this is awesome news!!! not only will the punk win again… so will riggs! WARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR DIESEL!!!!!!!!!

by Andiesel on Feb 24, 2009 10:07 PM EST reply actions

Gilbert is just becoming too much hype…i got my money on Josh

by Hispanic Panic on Feb 24, 2009 10:19 PM EST reply actions

Gilbert is a hog dont count him out!

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