The UFC will have to wait; Gilbert Milendez faces Josh Thomson May 19th
Posted on April 16, 2012, 03:10 PM by Mike DrahotaGilbert Melendez was anxiously awaiting the announcement of his first UFC fight. However, the plan never came to fruition for the Strikeforce Lightweight champion, who now finds himself facing Josh Thomson in a trilogy-ending bout May 19. The fight will precede that evening's Daniel Cormier-Josh Barnett Grand Prix Final. Melendez expressed his disappointment at this finding, and had the following to say:
“I guess it was inevitable. I was hoping for something better, for some top talent, and it didn't work out. Something to raise my stock." - via mmajunkie.com
While Thomson is a game fighter who did hand Melendez a previous loss in a title fight, it is clear that Melendez wanted to face the best of the UFC Lightweight class. The argument now goes on about where Melendez should truly be ranked among Lightweights, with most believing that any fight available for him in Strikeforce to be the wrong direction. Melendez appears to be in agreement. With his chances at one of the deepest divisions in MMA on the horizon, Gilbert spoke his feelings:
"You just want more. You want to be the No. 1 guy, and right now, it seems like it's put on hold for a minute. I've just got to have fun, do what I do, and stay focused on kicking butt."
While he has a great perspective on the subject, this announcement will have many wondering what kind of draw that another fight versus Thomson will bring, especially in the form of a co-main event bout. There is no doubt that Gilbert Melendez should be fighting the UFC greats to prove his worth, exactly when will he get that chance?
Photo:Francis Specker
Comments
Hopefully he doesn't overlook Josh like he did in their first fight. If Thomson is on he is truly a handful for Gilbert (and most LWs) to deal with.
On the question of when will he be fighting in the UFC:
The UFC and his (management to an extent) screwed the pooch. Zuffa was steadily carving up SF by taking all its top draws (Diaz, Overeem, Hendo), and Gilbert was certainly the next person on that list. Dana himself talked openly about brining him over. The problem was Showtime saw this, and nixed any future for SF on the network if Zuffa was to take either Gilbert or Rockhold.
Shitty situation for him.
But can you really blame them for wanting to hold onto the last big name they have in Gil?
Blame Showtime? Not at all. I was placing the blame on Zuffa and Melendez's management for not having the foresight to see that situation arise in the first place.
Gilbert ends up the victim of circumstance here, and it is a shame we won't be seeing him in the UFC anytime soon. He figured on being patient, and ended up getting screwed.
Anyone from the Diaz camp has a hard road. Even after all their success, people still dont give them credit. Baffles me.
yea, I think Gil has his number now.
this feels like the most pointless rematch in the world. ZUFFA.... just put strike force and all their fighters out of their misery already. their just recylcling fights, and i wont be supporting that sht.
Gil needs better competition