A highly-anticipated rematch between Strikeforce lightweight champion Josh Thomson and Gilbert Melendez has been announced as a featured bout for the Dec. 19 “Strikeforce: Evolution” show. Thomson defeated Melendez in June 2008 to capture the belt, and last fought in a one-minute destruction of Ashe Bowman on a September 2008 card at the Playboy Mansion.
Thomson underwent surgery for a broken fibula in his left ankle earlier this year, but sustained another break in the bone above the original injury shortly after the first surgery. He suffered another setback when the bone broke for a second time.
“Strikeforce: Evolutions” will feature a main event between undefeated Cung Le and Scott Smith. Also on the card will be Matt Lindland vs. Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza, Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal and Robbie Lawler.