Who is next for Gilbert Melendez: Healy or Alvarez

Gilbert Melendez defended his Strikeforce Lightweight title for the fourth consecutive time on May 19, when he defeated Josh Thomson via split decision at the Strikeforce:Barnett vs. Cormier event which took place in San Jose, California.After 9-straight title fights and 7-straight wins, Melendez not only retained his title, but had finally shut the door on his four-year rivalry with Thomson. As is the case in any split decision, the win was contested by some fight fans. As far as Melendez is concerned,

Gilbert Melendez finds it hard to get motivated for a third bout versus Josh Thomson

This week Gilbert Milendez had some interesting things to say about his trilogy-ending fight with Josh Thomson this weekend. In an interview courtesy of MMAFighting.com, Milendez reveals that it is indeed hard to get motivated to face a man he has already avenged a loss to, especially when many are clamoring for him to move to the UFC and face top competition. Milendez had the following to say on the subject:
“It’s not the easiest to be motivated for. Part of being the champ is just defending the belt a lit

Gilbert Melendez on Strikeforce vs. UFC, ‘I have changed my goals’

On a conference call today concerning the Strikeforce® Heavyweight Grand Prix Final scheduled for May 19, fighters Josh Thomson and Gilbert Melendez fielded questions from the media.
Melendez answered the burning question of his future as a fighter.  Specifically his multi-year contract with Strikeforce® and his one-time goal of being the number one Lightweight in the world: “Obviously, to be the number one guy in the world, you’ve got to be a champion in the UFC. I have changed my goals.

Gilbert Melendez, who will be left to fight him?

Gilbert Melendez (20-2) is scheduled to fight Josh Thomson (19-4-1) for a third time on May 19, 2012 in San Jose, California at Strikeforce 40: Barnett vs. Cormier.
The odds are favoring Melendez, and even though Thomson is coming off a recent victory, his last loss was to Tatsuya Kawajiri (31-7-2), whom Melendez had defeated in 2011.
The question becomes: What happens next for Melendez?
Dana White has gone on record saying that he wanted to bring Melendez over to UFC. White went so far as to attempt to

Strikeforce Recap: Gilbert Melendez beats Jorge Masvidal at his own game

Jorge Masvidal was looked upon as the fighter that was going to put Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez to the test. While he did take the champion to the five round limit, you would be hard pressed to say he put him to any type of test. Yes, Melendez’s face was far more marked up than that of Masvidal, but the stats told another story as Melendez outstruck Masvidal 145 to 109 and delivered far more power strikes, landing 94 to Masvidal’s 21.
Questions after seeing Gilbert

Jorge Masvidal: Right now, fighting Gilbert Melendez is the only thing in my sights (Exclusive Interview)

The last time I talked to Jorge Masividal, he was making his Strikeforce return to face then undefeated Billy Evangelista in March on the Feijao vs. Henderson card. Jorge managed to beat Billy and most recently he defeated KJ Noons in his best career performance to date. The American Top Team product and former Miami street fighter is now a top contender for Gilbert Melendez’ lightweight championship. Lowkick.com had a chance to catch up with him to find out when he could get his chance at title