Melendez vs. Aoki is not likely for Dream.16

The rematch between Gilbert Melendez, and Shinya Aoki was a possibility for Dream 16.  But now appears there is little chance for this rematch to take place on that event.

Melendez gave Aoki a beating in a 5 round decision back on Strikeforce’s CBS broadcast in April, exploiting a weakness that he found in Aoki’s ground game.  After the fight Melendez said that he wanted to do a rematch in Japan.

Immediately following Aoki’s first round submission over Tatsuya Kawajiri at Dream 15. Aoki announced to the crowd in attendance that he would avenge his loss to Melendez at Dreams next promotion.

News got back states side, and Melendez’s father Gilbert Melendez Sr. who acts as Melendez manager said that a rematch in September would be “impossible”.

Melendez camp made their intentions known that they are still interested in the rematch, however Melendez is nursing a broken hand, and is expecting the birth of his first daughter in August.

Melendez SR. also went on to say that his 28 year old son has won 18 of 20 fights, and is riding a four fight win streak.  Melendez aims to return to the cage/ring hopefully by October.  In addition Melendez is serving a 3 month suspension for his brawl with Jason Mayhem Miller in April immediately following Jake Shield’s win over Dan Henderson.

Source: Sherdog.com