Strikeforce announces Gilbert Melendez vs Josh Thomson 2 for 'Evolution' on Dec. 19

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Strikeforce announces Gilbert Melendez vs Josh Thomson 2 for 'Evolution' on Dec. 19

by Jesse Holland on Nov 24, 2009 12:59 PM EST Comment 8 comments

Strikeforce today officially announced the headlining bout for their upcoming "Evolution" event as 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 the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif., on Dec. 19.

As MMAmania.com first reported last week, this will be a much anticipated rematch of their June 2008 championship fight in which Thomson dethroned Melendez and usurped the belt 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 officially 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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Comments

Who the hell are they

going to have left over for the Miami show aside from Herschel Walker? Is Mousasi still fighting in Japan on New Years? I wont go to the show if it isn’t decent.

@fjbar75 on twitter...formerly El Mexicutioner

by _Felix_ on Nov 24, 2009 1:05 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Great fight

Gilbert’s going to win the rematch, he’s looked superb recently whilst Thomson has been out for a long time and I’m not falling for the “I’m 100% trust me” attitude for a guy out that long after the Ortiz debacle. Winner should fight Aoki to unify the belts, loser gets Alvarez or Hansen.

by David W-S on Nov 24, 2009 1:41 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Aoki vs Kawajiri

Aoki has to get by Kawajiri on New Year’s to make that a unification belt. However, there are a lot of decent fights out there for either guy after this one. Especially in japan, or at least against Dream fighters. I agreed with the sentiment that Melendez will pull this one off, but I don’t envision a blow out either way.

by Amos14 on Nov 24, 2009 2:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe if giving Thomson...

shorter notice he won’t get injured again. Thomson either goes real hard in training or he knows that he barely got passed Melendez the first time and thinks that it won’t happen again.

by fmx on Nov 24, 2009 1:45 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

barely? Melendez had nothing for him

by quidnunc on Nov 24, 2009 2:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Good Fight

I would loved to see Aoki in the US vs either of these guys later on

dude.....i am

by brendog on Nov 24, 2009 2:11 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Yes

I can’t wait for this. After Josh ’s performance with Gilbert he became on of my fav lightweights, I love his style. I really wish he would make it to the ufc sooner rather than later

by Lestat. on Nov 24, 2009 2:58 PM EST reply actions 0 recs