Gilbert Melendez feels he is the lightweight division’s top striker
Posted by Dan Becks
Strikeforce lightweight champ Gilbert Melendez believes he made a strong statement this past weekend with his unanimous decision victory over Jorge Masvidal in the main event of Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal.
“El Nino” didn’t take the bout to the ground, instead, relying on his stand-up and striking to defeat Masvidal. Many believed going in that Masvidal’s only shot was if the bout stayed upright, but Melendez proved that theory wrong.
“I knew I had to strike with him, and (Masvidal) was the toughest striker I have ever faced,” said Melendez to the Showtime cameras. “But I feel like I might be the best striker in the 155 division now.”
Melendez made several remarks in the post-fight interview about being willing to meet anyone Strikeforce wanted to bring in. With the new Strikeforce-Showtime contract, Melendez will remain in the fight promotion for the time being.
Check out the video below:
PHOTO CREDIT – STRIKEFORCE
—
MMATraining Take: Melendez showed a good ability to stand and trade with Masvidal, but that technique might not be as effective against a sound wrestler like UFC lightweight champ Frankie Edgar, Gray Maynard, or Clay Guida. Still, until Strikeforce brings in someone that can dethrone him, Melendez will be regarded as one of the elite at 155 pounds.
TweetRelated Articles
Interested in having your MMA training facility profiled on MMATraining.com? Visit our gym addition contact form to get in touch with us to get the ball rolling.
List your gym with us now!- Technique of the Day: Strength/Conditioning with Dan Henderson
- Cristiane Santos making move to bantamweight division
- Urijah Faber’s opponent at UFC 148 to be announced this week on TUF
- Strikeforce’s Nah-Shon Burrell spending time training with John Howard for this weekend’s fight
- Chan Sung Jung’s win over Dustin Poirier named Fight of the Night
December 21st, 2011 at 7:31 am
[...] far as salaries go, Gilbert Melendez, earned $150,000 for successfully defending his Strikeforce lightweight title against Jorge [...]
December 22nd, 2011 at 2:31 pm
[...] lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez face a Strikeforce or UFC fighter next?? What would you like Dana Claus to bring you this year for [...]
December 23rd, 2011 at 9:01 am
[...] picking fights and review this past weekends Strikeforce show, which featured a good performance by Gilbert Melendez, a dominating performance by Cris Santos, and “meh” performances by Gegard Mousasi and [...]