Gilbert Melendez vs. Jorge Masvidal official for December 17th Strikeforce Event
Posted on October 11, 2011, 09:49 PM by Joey SantosusIt appears Strikeforce Lightweight Champion Gilbert Melendez is not yet headed to the UFC to face Frankie Edgar after all.
Instead, according to the official Strikeforce Twitter account, he'll first defend his belt against Jorge Masvidal on December 17th.
"Sorry to keep you waiting folks! @GilbertMelendez WILL be defending his title vs @GamebredFighter in San Diego on Dec. 17. Tix on sale Sat!"
The match-up will mark Melendez's third consecutive title defense since dethroning Josh Thompson to recapture the strap back in 2009. In his latest effort, at Stikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley in April, "El Nino" (19-2) pummeled Japanese stand-out Tatsuya Kawajiri with vicious ground-and-pound to force a first-round referee stoppage. Though many suspected the victory had earned him a crack at UFC gold, he'll now face at least one more worthy challenger before jumping ship.
Masvidal (22-6) returned to the Strikeforce ranks in March after having previously gone two-for-two with the promotion back in 2007-08. After outworking undefeated prospect Billy Evangelista to pick up a decision, "Gamebred" was pitted in a number-one contender bout opposite boxing specialist KJ Noons. To the surprise of oddsmakers everywhere, the South Florida native stood toe-to-toe with Noons, taking the nod on the judges' scorecards and cementing his place as the division's top challenger.
Strikeforce: Melendez vs.Masvidal is set to take place December 17th from the Valley View Casino Center in San Diego, California. In addition to the Lightweight title clash, which will serve as the headlining bout, the stacked card is expected to feature the return of Women's 145-pound champ Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos taking on Japan's Hiroko "Cat's Eye" Yamanaka in the co-main event.
Further Reading: LowKick.com Everywhere Competition - Your chance to win great prizes!
Photo: Shinya Aoki of Japan, right, and Gilbert Melendez at a open media workout session to promote a Strikeforce MMA card at the Legends gym on March 17, 2010 in Hollywood, California. Francis Specker
Comments
Not that I think he will lose this, but if he does, his stock will drop and Frankie vs. Gil may be delayed even more. :(
If that happens, deservedly so. If he gets passed Masvidal in impressive fashion I might start believing the hype a little bit.
this is his last fight in strikeforce!! its ganna be sick
I don't see what everybody's whining about. Masvidal deserves a shot at the real Strikeforce title, not just a vacated meaningless one, and it's a great fight. Melendez is rightfully the favorite, but it's not like Masvidal can't beat him. He is one of the toughest, most well-rounded fighters in MMA. I think Melendez will win a tough decision, but it will be a tough one.
This also allows top contenders in the UFC, like the winner of Bendo vs. Guida to get a shot at the UFC title, which they certainly deserve.
Guess you're not getting that UFC title shot just yet Melendez.
Really glad SF went ahead & still made this fight. Masvidal gots crazy striking!
Melendez sure loves to take his time for fights.
i like masvidal but i seee him getting outwrestled in this fight , he could get the belt when melendez leaves though .