Melendez and Masvidal Head to Head: Who will win this weekend?
Posted on December 14, 2011, 11:42 PM by Trent ReinsmithGilbert Melendez and Jorge Masvidal will meet this weekend, as Melendez puts his Strikeforce title on the line at the Valley View Casino Center in San Diego, CA. What follows is a preview of the main event of Strikeforce’s final card of 2011.
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Gilbert Melendez
Age: 29 Record: 19-2 Finishes: 12 Streak: W-W-W-W-W |
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Jorge Masvidal
Age: 27 Record: 22-6 Finishes: 11 Streak: L-W-L-W-W |
Striking: 55-45 Gilbert Melendez
Many consider Masvidal the more powerful and well-rounded striker of the two, but I think the key here is in the style of the striking. Masvidal is more of a counterstriker, which may very well work against him when he faces Melendez. If Melendez comes out guns blazing and sets a frenetic pace it could cause Masvidal to fight more on his heels than he already does and if there is no break in the action for Masvidal to capitalize on, Melendez has the advantage. If Melendez does allow Masvidal to get off, then he could have some problems. Melendez has the advantage, but only if he is relentless in his attack.
Clinch/Dirty Boxing: 60-40 Jorge Masvidal
This is where Masvidal will have an advantage in the standing game. His well-rounded game will see him throwing knees from in the clinch and his more powerful hands could hurt Melendez if he is able to find the opening. Melendez would be wise to avoid getting into the clinch with Masvidal.
Wrestling: 65-35 Gilbert Melendez
Melendez was a solid high school wrestler, which translated to a college scholarship in the sport. However, once Melendez fell under the influence of Jake Shields, wrestling to a back seat to MMA training. Melendez should be able to set up and execute his takedowns by using his fast paced style. Once on the ground, Melendez holds a clear advantage over Masvidal and honestly, to avoid the striking power of Masvidal, the ground is where Melendez should be looking to spend his time.
Submissions: 70-30 Gilbert Melendez
Neither fighter is the biggest proponent of going for submissions; between them they have exactly two submission victories in 49 professional fights. The nod in this category goes to Melendez based on his training with Team Cesar Gracie. In that camp a fighter better get some solid jiu-jitsu / submission skills of they’ll be in for some long training seasons with the Diaz brothers.
Further Reading: Gilbert Melendez hopes to sign with the UFC after "smashing" Jorge Masvidal
Photo: Tracy Lee for CombatLifeStyle.com
Comments
Masvidal is no joke. This is a true test for Gilbert I can't wait for this fight. At the end of the day I think Gilbert is a more well-rounde fighter and he will not be taking Jorge lightly as he knows this is an important fight he needs to win before he enters the UFC.
Hummmm... Im not sure who will win this bout.
the only thing i can be sure ,is that Fedor will defeat Ishii on December 31st. :D
i pick Misvidal by TKO
Im beginning to think you hang out in Stary Oskol's laundry mat for a glimpse of Fedor's underwear, you weirdo.
Shave that stupid head of hair and maybe you might make the UFC. But Jorge is going to smash this fool into the ground. Jorge probably has the best chin in the business. If Dan has a granite chin, Jorge has a reinforced titanium +2 chin.
You better hope your right.
HaHa!! Only thing Jorge smashed was his chance to go UFC 8P
Would be pretty cool if Masvidal did pull the upset off
Gil has this cat's number. he is still carrying a grudge over something that Masvidal said a couple of years ago. Melendez said he's had that in his head and didn't forget; now it's time to see if Jorge can back up what he said back then. It just gives Gil more motivation. I think he's gonna put on a heck of a show!
yep, I'de like to see Gilbert in the UFC with his homies.
It might shut a few people up if Cesar's camp changed the names of 2 title holders with in a year.