Gilbert Melendez vs Josh Thomson 2 in the works for Strikeforce: 'Evolution' on Dec. 19

by Derek Bolender on Nov 20, 2009 8:29 PM EST

Strikeforce Lightweight Champion Josh Thomson (16-2, 1 NC) will return to action to battle the promotion's interim 155-pound kingpin, Gilbert Melendez (16-2), at Strikeforce: "Evolution" from the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif., on Dec. 19.

MMAmania.com can confirm that the rematch is currently under consideration to unify the division title and could likely serve as the event's main event if its signed.

This will be a much anticipated rematch of their June 2008 championship fight in which Thomson dethroned the then-champion (Melendez) after recording a five round unanimous decision victory.

It was actually supposed to go down much sooner on the "Shamrock vs. Diaz" card in April 2009; however, Thomson was forced to withdraw because of a serious leg injury while training for the bout. As a result, Melendez was paired with Rodrigo Damm to determine the interim lightweight champion, which "El Nino" won via second round technical knockout.

The rematch was then again rescheduled for the "Carano vs. Cyborg" card in August 2009, but again, Thomson had to withdraw because of re-aggravating the same injury. Melendez put his interim belt on the line against Mitsuhiro Ishida instead, winning via third round technical knockout.

Hopefully, the third time will be the charm as these two are now set to go toe-to-toe on the main card on December 19, nearly a year and half since their original meeting. The event will broadcast live on Showtime on fight night, beginning at 10 p.m. ET.

To check out the latest fight card and rumors for "Evolution" click here.

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WHO GETS INJRED FIRST??

This fight never happens….

by ViolentMike on Nov 20, 2009 8:15 PM EST reply actions

????

What do you mean first…………its always thompson getting hurt not gilbert

by GOLDIGGAH on Nov 20, 2009 11:29 PM EST up reply actions

I want to see Gomi vs. El Nino!

Hopefully Josh can stay healthy because this fight needs to happen so that the SF LW division can move forward! Lets get this tite fight out of the way so we can see other challengers to the title like Kawajiri, Aoki, Eddie Alvarez!

I see Big Things in the future of the SF LW division!

by John G. on Nov 21, 2009 10:05 AM EST up reply actions

Give the winner Aoki.

Then do Diaz/Heiron and give the winner Zaromskis.

"Cowards die many times before their deaths,
The valiant never taste of death but once."

Julius Caesar (II, ii, 32-37)

by Jeremyjackson on Nov 20, 2009 8:18 PM EST reply actions

I concur . . .

The winner vs Aoki would be decent.

"Look Eye! Must Always Look Eye!!" . . . Mr. Miagi

by ( (Adam G) ) on Nov 20, 2009 8:45 PM EST up reply actions

Yep

I believe this is the intention of Strikeforce…. to give the winner to Aoki next.

by Alpha Male on Nov 20, 2009 8:51 PM EST up reply actions

I hope gilbert gets it done this time, last time was beyond lame.

"Look Eye! Must Always Look Eye!!" . . . Mr. Miagi

by ( (Adam G) ) on Nov 20, 2009 8:42 PM EST reply actions

much different

I think this fight is gonna be much more different than the last I think gilbert is gonna go out with some passion and actually try to destroy thompson. Should be an exciting fight this time around.

by LatinoHeat13 on Nov 20, 2009 9:10 PM EST via mobile reply actions