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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