Melendez Signs New Deal With Strikeforce

Melendez

Strikeforce Lightweight Champion Gilbert Melendez

Champion Melendez signs multi-year deal

Strikeforce champion Gilbert Melendez has signed a new multi-year contract with the promotion.

The news was revealed by officials earlier on Monday.

Melendez’s history with the promotion dates back to his debut from back in 2006 when he earned a first round submission victory over Harris Sarmiento. In the following fight, he defeated Clay Guida to earn the lightweight title. But after defending his belt against for the first time against Gabe Lemley, Melendez lost his title to Josh Thomson at “Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Thomson.”

The San Jose, California native battled back, however, when he earned and defend the interim title, waiting for Thomson to recover from injury. When the champion did finally return, Melendez reattained his championship belt with a unanimous decision win in the rematch at “Strikeforce: Evolution,” and has since gone on to defend it, dominating Shinya Aoki at “Strikeforce: Nashville” last April.

“Strikeforce is my home, they’ve always been like family to me, and I’m looking continuing my career with them,” Melendez stated in today’s official press release. “There are a lot of great fights out there for me – lots of challenges. I can’t wait to get back into the cage, do my thing and show the world that I’m still at the top of my game.”

Melendez’s return has has yet to be announced, and the man to challenge him for the title is also currently still in the works.

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