Exclusive: Josh Thomson breaks leg; Gilbert Melendez rematch on April 11 off (Updated)

by MMAmania.com on Apr 1, 2009 8:32 PM EDT

MMAmania.com has some bad news:

Strikeforce Lightweight Champion Josh Thomson today broke his left leg while training for his first title defense against the man who he defeated to capture it, Gilbert Melendez. Therefore, the highly anticipated rematch on April 11 has been scrapped.

A search for a replacement to challenge "El Nino" is already underway for the Showtime card -- the first for the promotion since acquiring select assets, including fighter contracts, from Pro Elite earlier this year.

After capturing the title from Melendez, Thompson defeated Ashe Bowman (first round technical knockout win) at "Strikeforce at the Mansion II" in 2008. It was a tune-up fight for "The Punk," who was recovering from a shoulder injury that was actually not even 100 percent in the Melendez match.

This is no doubt a major setback for the American Kickboxing Academy standout.

He had this to say in a recent press release:

"I was sparring hard and I broke my leg, above my ankle, during an exchange. I’m very upset. All the hard work was done and it was time to fight. I was looking forward to putting on a great show for the fans. All I can say is that I’ll be back when I get healthy."

According to the release, Thomson is scheduled to undergo surgery on Friday to repair the damaged limb, which is expected to keep the 30-year-old fighter out of action for two to three months.

The Strikeforce 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.

To check out the latest Strikeforce: "Shamrock vs. Diaz" fight card click here.

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Comments

AHHHH… lose money!

by boardRIDER on Apr 1, 2009 8:42 PM EDT reply actions

“Lose Money” – Are you from Hawaii? Yes that is a bummer, I was excited for this fight.

by shitleTOT.com on Apr 1, 2009 8:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Thomson sure wasn’t. Probly did it intentionally or faking it.

by NameNotRequired on Apr 1, 2009 9:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Namenotrequired is an idiot. Josh is in the gym all day long training his ass off. He knew it was a tough fight but he is a warrior. His leg is really bad. Its too bad for for both of them.

by Bummed on Apr 2, 2009 1:58 AM EDT up reply actions

hahahahahah AAHHHH LOSE MONEY FAKAMEAN!

must be,what part of hawaii you from?

Luck for Melendez,The Punk woulda broke his foot on Melendez’s face thats why.

by NM on Apr 1, 2009 11:36 PM EDT up reply actions

how long does thompson get to be considered the champ when he’s not fighting. when was the last time he fought, 12 months ago??? not a lot of work for a champ. that’s why he and melendez will never beat any top competition b/c they won’t commit themselves to fighting

by deuce 4 on Apr 2, 2009 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions

:-(

by Bill Maher on Apr 1, 2009 9:25 PM EDT reply actions

Absolutely gutted. This was one of the most anticipated fights for me this month. They are both really well matched despite the previous lopsided fight they had.

Really hope Josh gets well and this gets booked again ASAP.

by Ca$z on Apr 2, 2009 5:30 AM EDT up reply actions

i wouldnt mind seeing jorge gurgel replace josh thompson

by matt on Apr 1, 2009 9:56 PM EDT reply actions

Why? Do you think Gilbert Melendez is worse than Cole Miller and Aaron Riley? Because I don’t see how losing two in a row to the aforementioned gets you a big jump in competition.

by CrowCrucifix on Apr 1, 2009 10:20 PM EDT up reply actions

name a lightweight in strikeforce not named melendez or thompson who is better than gurgel?

by matt on Apr 1, 2009 10:25 PM EDT up reply actions

exactly. how sad is that. i’d rather see melendez moved to another card than see a mismatch.

by CrowCrucifix on Apr 1, 2009 10:34 PM EDT up reply actions

i dont really think it is that big of a mismatch. I personally believe that melendez is overrated. Who has he ever really beaten? He has beaten two good lightweights and that is about it, clay guida and kawajiri. I think this could be a good fight, gurgel is always in exciting fights, and has good kickboxing and great bjj. melendez is mainly a wrestler and i think this could be a good ground fight, and i think jorge has a chance to pull off a submission.

by matt on Apr 1, 2009 11:23 PM EDT up reply actions