Thomson looked as strong as any opponent has over the past few years against Melendez with his performance echoing that of a 2008 victory he holds over the company’s 155-pound king. However, as close as their fight was, Melendez is ready to close the chapter of his career titled “Thomson” and move on to new things.

“No, I won the trilogy and it’s supposed to be the end of it,” Melendez explained in a post-fight interview with Showtime after the bout’s conclusion. “I think it was settled once and for all. You guys wanna pay me triple or double, we’ll talk.”

“I just couldn’t let the inner-beast out for some reason,” he added on his inability to do more damage to Thomson, later turning his focus to his future on which he stated, “I’m ready for whoever. I’m proud to be a part of Showtime, proud to be a part of Strikeforce. I’m gonna keep holding the throne and watching the throne.”

Melendez improved his overall record to 21-2 with the successful showing against Thomson and had been very vocal regarding his desire to fight top opponents as a means of helping build his stock instead of being in “lose-lose” situations.

Check out the full interview with Melendez below:

PHOTO CREDIT – STRIKEFORCE

Melendez-Thomson will serve as the co-headliner at the Strikeforce Grand Prix Final this Saturday night from San Jose, California. The main card will air live on Showtime starting at 10:00 PM EST. “El Nino” and “The Punk” have split their previous two meetings with Melendez winning in 2009 and Thomson in ’08. Both matches went five rounds.

“I know what he’s got and I’ve been through that with him,” said Melendez, in a recent interview with Strikeforce’s website. “We’ve been through two five-round battles, and I feel like I do know him very well. You build a relationship because you respect the guy as well, but more so than anything, I know what he has and the main things I did take from that is I know he has a lot of heart, he has great conditioning, and he’s tough.”

Melendez has not lost since that match with Thomson. He is currently on a six-fight winning streak with three stoppage victories and three decisions during that time.

PHOTO CREDIT – STRIKEFORCE

Melendez is all too familiar with the unfortunate truth that the world’s best lightweights do their work inside the Octagon, even going so far as to ask Zuffa to bring one or two over for him to tackle given that the company owns both Strikeforce and the UFC. The 30-year old Californian recently addressed his current reality where his attitude seemed to be one of mild acceptance mixed with understandable disappointment.

“I think the common fan still hears my name and says, ‘Who the hell is that? I think the reason is because they haven’t seen me fight or that I’m not in the UFC,” explained Melendez in an interview with Heavy.com. “I get respect from my fellow fighters, but the common fan doesn’t know who I am because they don’t follow Strikeforce the way they follow the UFC.”

“I wish some of these guys in the UFC would take the risk,” Melendez continued on his frustration with seemingly being bogged down in the prime of his career. “At the end of the day I understand the business moves. I’m sure their managers tell them fighting me in Strikeforce isn’t the best business move, and I understand.”

At one time, both B.J. Penn and Anthony Pettis were named as possible options according to Melendez’s camp with some confirmation coming from UFC President Dana White as well.

Though the future of Strikeforce remains uncertain, and he may not necessarily be happy about his circumstances, Melendez still seems intent on finishing out his deal with the organization before moving on (or moving over to the UFC’s roster as the case may be).

“I’m going to be with Strikeforce for a while, or at least until my contract is up. I have this fight plus three more, and I respect that,” said Melendez, showing he’s a man of honor above all else.

If Melendez gets by Thomson there appear to be slim pickings in terms of future contenders to the crown. First in line is likely Pat Healy who is on a four-fight winning streak or possibly Eddie Alvarez if Zuffa decides to sign him away from Bellator when he becomes a free agent in a few months.

PHOTO CREDIT – STRIKEFORCE

Also set to mix it up on the May 19 card, lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez will defend his belt against friendly rival Josh Thomson on the Showtime broadcast. The 20-2 Melendez is considered to be one of the Top 3 155ers in MMA but split his previous two pairings with Thomson (19-4).

All four men will field questions from media members this afternoon at 2:00 PM EST as part of a conference call promoting the event with Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker also contributing to the festivities. As usual, Five Ounces of Pain will be on the line as things unfold while reporting highlights back to readers as they unfold in real time.

Read below for a breakdown of information/soundbytes from the call:

Josh Barnett

- Hasn’t thought about what he’ll do beyond his fight with Cormier
- Believes his experience is a big advantage over Cormier but respects Cormier’s Olympic background / Calls it an “equalizer”
- Been staying busy in the gym while waiting for Cormier

Daniel Cormier

- Not interested in thinking 7-8 months down the road with a guy like Barnett in front of him
- Has seen improvement in his striking since being out

Josh Thomson

- Says he thought Pat Healy would get a shot at the belt before him, especially after his performance against KJ Noons
- Cut down on his workout routine to keep from overtraining
- Thinks Melendez took the first loss a little personally but squashed the issue with him and says they’re cool now
- Doesn’t care about Melendez’s comments about him not being “top talent”, says he was hard on himself after his last fight so he understands the criticism

Gilbert Melendez

- Calls Thomson a “tough guy” and likes the idea of fighting in a “battle of NorCal”
- Wants big names because that’s part of the business
- Was touched by Nate Diaz’s shout out after his UFC on FOX 3 / “That’s family right there.”

Scott Coker

- Winner of heavyweight tournament is still expected to fight one more time in Strikeforce
- No plans to return to Las Vegas
- A belt has been created for the winner of Barnett-Cormier

However, today he still calls Strikeforce his home, remaining as the promotion’s main star.

Now, as he prepares for a third bout with Josh Thomson, “El Nino” understands why UFC President Dana White left him to carry the flag of Strikeforce. Of course, that doesn’t mean Melendez doesn’t want to face the likes of UFC lightweight title-holder Benson Henderson, Frankie Edgar, Gray Maynard and his other highly-touted peers who do their business inside the Octagon.

“I’m coming for all the 155-pounders and I really want to prove I’m No. 1,” said Melendez in a recent interview with MMAWeekly. “Part of being No. 1 is beating everyone, every match-up. I think I can beat every style out there.”

Melendez and Thomson have split their previous two meetings. Their bout will be the co-main event on May 19 on Showtime.

PHOTO CREDIT – STRIKEFORCE

UFC

Before Gilbert Melendez signed to fight Josh Thomson for the Strikeforce lightweight title it was revealed through Cesar Gracie that the popular Hawaiian was a candidate to take on “El Nino”. Now, thanks to White, fans have been given confirmation of that scenario almost becoming reality.

“I tried to do (Melendez vs. Penn), but it was at the same time when B.J. was like, ‘Yeah, I’m not fighting for a while,’” said White, in a post-press conference interview with MMAJunkie.

“He wants to come back,” the UFC’s head-honcho added on Penn though offering no specifics beyond that.

Penn announced his retirement after a loss to Nick Diaz last year. Many felt it was a sudden-decision based around the defeat, but Baby Jay has remained retired since.

PHOTO CREDIT – UFC/STRIKEFORCE

Names like B.J. Penn and Anthony Pettis were even mentioned as opponents Melendez would love to mix it up with. Instead he got Josh Thomson, a former rival he split a pair of previous bouts with that also happens to be 1-1 in his last two fights including a recent outpointing of K.J. Noons.

Melendez addressed the situation while serving as a guest on MMAJunkie Radio where the 30-year old’s less-than enthusiastic attitude was evident.

“I was hoping for something better, for some top talent, and it didn’t work out,” admitted the genuinely disappointed Melendez, adding he wanted, “Something to raise my stock.”

“You want to be the #1 guy, and right now, it seems like it’s put on hold for a minute,” he continued, trying to stay positive throughout the process.

“I’ve just got to have fun, do what I do, and stay focused on kicking butt.”

Just because he may not seem motivated to match up with Thomson doesn’t mean he won’t be ready, labeling his upcoming adversary as “tough”, but clearly Melendez is not necessarily satisfied with his career’s direction. “El Nino” holds an overall record of 20-2 with six straight wins including those over Thomson, Jorge Masvidal, Tatsuya Kawajiri, and Shinya Aoki.

Thomson and Melendez face off on May 19 at Strikeforce: Grand Prix Final.

PHOTO CREDIT – STRIKEFORCE

Strikeforce officials have confirmed the match-up’s addition to a May 19 card in San Jose also featuring Josh Barnett-Daniel Cormier facing off in the Grand Prix final. The bout marks the third fight in a series between Thomson-Melendez with things currently tied at one apiece.

The 19-4 Thomson is 3-0 in his last three appearances under the Strikeforce banner including victories over Pat Healy and Gesias Cavalcante. However, prior to the win over Noons the 33-year old lost a Unanimous Decision to Tatsuya Kawajiri in Japan and sat out for more than a year afterward due to injury.

Melendez hasn’t tasted defeat since falling to his friendly rival on the scorecards four years ago, racking up six consecutive wins with one involving success against Thomson in late 2009. “El Nino” holds other past triumphs over Kawajiri, Clay Guida, Shinya Aoki, and Jorge Masvidal.

PHOTO CREDIT – STRIKEFORCE

“Gil is fighting May 19,” the BJJ wizard wrote on Twitter, adding two names he’s crossing his fingers for though neither actually happens to be signed to the organization’s roster. “I hope (B.J.) Penn or (Anthony) Pettis.”

The date lines up with the final of the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix between Josh Barnett and Daniel Cormier, rumored for San Jose, with Nate Marquardt also expected to debut at the summer event.

UFC President Dana White has been stated repeatedly the 20-2 Melendez was not likely to join the UFC anytime soon.  As such, Melendez may be hoping for a big name like Penn or even Pettis to help raise his stock in the division. Penn, a former double-divisional champion, has stuck to his retirement since losing to Nick Diaz last October while Pettis has become the odd man out at 155 in the UFC with champion Benson Henderon taking on Frankie Edgar in a rematch and Nate Diaz-Jim Miller fighting for top contendership in May.

PHOTO CREDIT – UFC

In the case of stand-out scrapper Jim Miller, a 20-3 lightweight who headlines tonight’s UFC on FX event, it appears the latter group is onto something. Miller spoke with Five Ounces of Pain during the lead up to this evening’s affair where he offered a frank assessment when asked about his interest in moving over to Strikeforce if it meant an immediate crack at Melendez’s strap.

“Melendez is a great fighter and could come over to the UFC and jump right into the mix without a doubt. I don’t know what’s left for him over there, but I am sure they will find him some quality opponents,” Miller began on the widely respected 155-pounder before talk turned to fighting in Strikeforce.

“Even if the money was comparable I don’t think I would make the move over there,” said Miller. “Once you have been in the UFC you don’t want to go backwards. This is the major leagues of MMA. Nothing against Strikeforce, but the opportunities here are far better. More exposure, more sponsors, bigger crowds and obviously more challenging fights.”

What the future holds for Miller remains to be seen though his present focus is clearly on beating Melvin Guillard tonight in Nashville. Action starts on FX at 9:00 PM EST with prelims coming on Fuel TV a few hours earlier.

It is likely Melendez will eventually face the winner of a scheduled bout between K.J. Noons-Josh Thomson who face off in early March.

PHOTO CREDIT – UFC

With the recent Strikeforce-Showtime contract hashed out, Melendez will remain part of the Strikeforce lineup for the foreseeable future. However, that doesn’t mean someone from the UFC cannot be brought in to face him for the title.

For Melendez, it doesn’t matter who it is, as the champion said in an interview with Showtime following the Masvidal fight, “It’s tough, but it’s great (to be the champion) because everyone is coming after my belt. I am happy to say I am still the champ.”

The 29-year old decided to stand and strike with Masvidal instead of relying on his excellent ground game, something many did not expect.

“I was eager to prove everyone wrong (in regards to the stand-up),”Melendez said. “I knew I had to strike with him, and (Masvidal) was the toughest striker I have ever faced. But I feel like I might be the best striker in the 155 division now.”

Check out the video below:

UFC president Dana White seemed to be the main voice behind the probability of Melendez being signed by the UFC, so the odds looked bleak as far as “El Nino” ever defending his Strikeforce title again . However, in the ensuing weeks it was revealed that Melendez would be back inside a Strikeforce cage and not the UFC Octagon later this year, as he’s set to face Jorge Masvidal in the main event of a Strikeforce card on December 17 from San Diego, California. It will be his second fight this year with a first round TKO over Tatsuya Kawajiri a few months back.

With all that being said, is Melendez upset about remaining in Strikeforce and not being paired up with UFC 155-pound king Frankie Edgar or any other of the elite lightweights in the UFC? Not a chance.

“Nah, I’m not disappointed at all. The hype was there for a second. I was jazzed. I was hoping,” said Melendez, in a recent interview with MMAFighting. “I’m more popular than ever now…Dana White, the man, said go check Gilbert out and now people are checking me out. So I’m actually grateful on that. I’m an optimistic guy. I look at that like a glass half-full.”

Melendez has put together a 19-2 record, including 11 victories by knockout. He has not lost since 2008 when Josh Thomson defeated him via decision. Melendez has since avenged that loss, along with his only other career defeat to Mitsuhiro Ishida.

As for making the leap to the UFC – which seems inevitable – Melendez is just letting his managers take care of that, saying, “I’m ready for the big stage, I’m ready for all challenges.”

PHOTO CREDIT – STRIKEFORCE

For now, though, Melendez remains in Strikeforce, where he has an upcoming title bout set with Jorge Masvidal in December. That hasn’t kept Melendez from thinking about what the UFC has to offer, especially in terms of a super-fight with champion Frankie Edgar.

“The UFC title is the best belt. I want that belt and I want it as soon as possible,” said Melendez recently on The MMA Hour. “I’m definitely impressed by Frankie. He’s an amazing fighter. He’s great. I honestly feel like I’m the No. 1 contender and I feel like I’m ready for the title shot now.”

Melendez, who trains with the likes of Nate Diaz and Nick Diaz, as well as with Jake Shields, is 19-2 with five straight wins since a loss to Josh Thomson in 2008. He has finished three of his last five opponents.

While White tries to figure out a way to get Melendez out of Strikeforce and into the UFC, Melendez continues to focus his training on Masvidal.

“He’s the first guy in line. I think he’s the No. 1 contender, as of now, in Strikeforce, and as of now I have to focus on that guy,” Melendez said. “He’s real tough. But it’s hard not to get excited when you hear all these rumors.”

PHOTO CREDIT – STRIKEFORCE/ESTHER LIN

Alistair Overeem, Dan Henderson

White opened up about the company’s interest in bringing the gold-wearing grappler on board where he made it clear Melendez’s days as Strikeforce champ are numbered (much like the promotion itself it seems).

“We’re going to bring Melendez over ASAP. We’re looking to bring him over now,” White explained to MMAWeekly.

“El Nino” certainly doesn’t appear opposed to the idea, telling the media outlet in a follow-up discussion that he’s currently focused on a December defense against top contender Jorge Masvidal but would “be there in a heartbeat” if asked to join the UFC lightweight division.

Melendez holds an overall record of 19-2 and is widely considered to be one of the “Top 3” 155-pounders in MMA. He is currently on a five-fight winning streak and owns past victories over a number of respected peers including Josh Thomson, Mitsuhiro Ishida, Tatsuya Kawajiri, and Shinya Aoki.

PHOTO CREDIT – STRIKEFORCE

News of the title-fight first surfaced today in an interview with Melendez’s coach, Cesar Gracie, while speaking with MMAFighting.

Masvidal’s victory over Noons was his second in a row since joining Strikeforce on a regular basis and his third overall in the promotion. The 26-year old Miami native holds a record of 22-6 including success against a number of notable opponents such as Satoru Kitoaka, Billy Evangelista, Yves Edwards, and Joe Lauzon.

The 19-2 Melendez has had his hands raised in five straight fights and owns wins under the Strikeforce banner over Clay Guida, Josh Thomson, Shinya Aoki, and most recently against Tatsuya Kawajiri this past April. His dominant performance against Kawajiri resulted in a TKO midway through the opening round of action, the eleventh strike-based stoppage of his career.

The only major Strikeforce event currently planned for the fall takes place on September 10 in Cincinnati, Ohio but is unlikely to host Melendez vs. Masvidal as the card already features the semifinal round from the World Grand Prix in addition to Mo Lawal vs. Roger Gracie and 185-pound champion Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza defending his belt against Luke Rockhold.

PHOTO CREDIT – STRIKEFORCE

Mark Munoz Targeting C.B. Dollaway’s Chin UFC Live 3 (Versus.com)

Eddie Alvarez vs. Pat Curran Made Official for Bellator 39 (5thRound.com)

Jorge Masvidal Talks Match-Up with Billy Evangelista (Lowkick.com)

A Closer Look at Last Weekend’s BAMMA 5 Event in Photos (MiddleEasy.com)

The Top 10 Fighters in Strikeforce are… (BleacherReport.com)

Dana White Thought B.J. Penn Deserved the Nod Over Jon Fitch at UFC 127 (MMAConvert.com)

Gilbert Melendez is a Man on a Mission (FIGHT! Magazine)

Strikeforce Almost Booked Chad Griggs vs. Dan Cormier this Weekend (CagePotato.com)

Martin Kampmann Talks Beating Diego Sanchez Later Tonight on Versus (MMAFighting.com)

According to a report on Sherdog it looks as though 155-pound king Melendez may face Japanese slugger Tatsuya Kawajiri while Diaz’s opponent has yet to be determined.

A catchweight clash with rival Jason “Mayhem” Miller was not mentioned to be in the works for Diaz but rather a title-defense with the two names offered as potential opposition by the outspoken welterweight’s trainer, Cesar Gracie, being Tyron Woodley and Paul Daley. Daley is currently scheduled to fight Yuya Shirai on Saturday night for British organization BAMMA and would have to emerge victorious in order to maintain his status as a possible contender.

“Strikeforce is my home, they’ve always been like family to me and I’m looking forward to continuing my career with them,” said Melendez of the decision to prolong his partnership with the promotion.

Melendez holds an overall record of 18-2 but been out of action since April due to a suspension resulting from his role in the infamous post-fight brawl at “Strikeforce: Nashville” and a desire to spend time with his newborn daughter.

“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,” explained the 28-year old Californian who also made it clear he didn’t have anyone in particular on his mind in terms of a contender to his Strikeforce title.

“It doesn’t matter who I fight. I just want to get back in there and rip.”

Prior to his in-ring hiatus Melendez had won four straight fights including victories over Josh Thomson, Mitsuhiro Ishida, and most recently Shinya Aoki. Additionally, he holds past wins over Tatsuya Kawajiri and Clay Guida as well the notable distinction of never having been finished in his career with both losses being the result of a decision.

PHOTO CREDIT – STRIKEFORCE

As always, don’t consider this gospel. The fact is, when two finely-tuned individuals step into a cage and let loose the difference between consciousness and looking up at the ceiling is a matter of milliseconds no matter who is ranked where. The individuality inherently involved in a subjective endeavor like ranking fighters, many of whom could easily be argued as deserving different spots based on personal criteria, is not only recognized on Five Ounces’ end but also encouraged in the form of offering your own lists in the “Comments” section below.

1. Frank Edgar (13-1)

Edgar’s mixture of boxing, wrestling, and conditioning make him extremely difficult to defeat as evident in two consecutive wins over a man who was believed to be unbeatable at 155-pounds, B.J. Penn. The UFC lightweight champ’s speed is also among the best in the division. While I’m far from confident he’d handle any of the four men below him, I’ll never doubt Edgar’s ability to emerge victorious in the face of adversity. He may have fallen victim to Gray Maynard’s ground-control and size/strength advantage when they originally faced off, but with his dubyas over Penn, plus Sean Sherk, Tyson Griffin, and Jim Miller, I think he’s definitely deserving of the division’s top spot until at least the conclusion of UFC 125 when the world has a chance to see how he handles “The Bully” a second time.

2. Gilbert Melendez (18-2)

“El Nino” reminds me a bit of Edgar in terms of technical prowess with power in place of the New Jersey fighter’s quickness. He’s rarely outwrestled and can stand with the best if a fight’s pacing dicates the necessity to do so (or he simply feels like proving a point). I personally thought he deserved the decision over Mitsuhiro Ishida at “Yarennoka 2007”, and would have likely received it had the bout been somewhere other than Japan, but a loss is a loss and there is no arguing his underwhelming performance against Josh Thomson in June 2008. However, I believe he grew from each experience and is even better today. For evidence of his evolution, look at the fact he knocked Ishida out in their rematch and thoroughly dominated Thomson when they faced off again, not to mention his dismantling of Shinya Aoki earlier this year.

3. Eddie Alvarez (21-2)

For those that might question Alvarez’s ranking, especially when you consider neither of his career losses have involved the judges’ scorecards, I think the proof is in the poundings. Alvarez has only won by decision twice in his twenty-one total victories and is currently riding a streak of seven straight finishes. Maynard has half his wins and a tenth of his TKOs/submissions, while Penn is coming off back-to-back losses and won’t be returning to 155-pounds until mid-2011 (if ever). Alvarez has power, multi-tiered striking, athleticism, and high-level grappling. In baseball terms, Alvarez is a “five-tool” player, and from a rounded-skills standpoint might be the best overall in this total bunch.

4. B.J. Penn (16-7-1)

Penn is as unique as they come in MMA and defines what it means to be a genuine “fighter” better than most in the sport. His knockout of Matt Hughes at UFC 123 was amazing, as have been so many of his victories, and I truly believe a motivated Baby Jay is likely to mop the floor with anyone who doesn’t have phenomenal wrestling/top-control. He took former UFC 205-pound champ Lyoto Machida to decision in 2005. Need I say more?

5. Gray Maynard (10-0)

I have Maynard slightly above Aoki based on his boxing and wrestling, as those seemed to be two areas Aoki severely struggled in against Melendez and could be susceptible to again if by some incredible feat he was opposite “The Bully” in a ring. The XTreme Couture original has never cleanly fallen, only earning a “No Contest” after knocking himself and his opponent out with a slam, while racking up wins over multiple names on this list, including of course UFC champ Edgar, as well as the always-tough Nate Diaz and Roger Huerta. He may not always come away victorious in the most pleasing of fashions but he’s effective at what he does in the ring and will remain an extremely tough draw for any adversary until proven otherwise.

6. Shinya Aoki (26-5)

Aoki is a victim of not having consistently faced ranked lightweight competitors. While his affiliation with DREAM has allowed him to occasionally take on some of the division’s best, he also gets drawn into bouts built for padding his stats rather than furthering his career. He’s good enough to beat Alvarez, J.Z. Cavalcante, and Tatsuya Kawajiri, yet was completely out-classed by Melendez and has had his knees-knocked on more than one occasion in the past. There’s no question he’s a submission savant but until he improves his takedown defense and stand-up I see his future involving a number of ups and downs, and he can’t get better taking on people like Marcus Aurelio and Yokthai Sithoar in back-to-back bouts.

7. Sean Sherk (36-4-1)

“The Muscle Shark” is an interesting case, as all four of his career losses have come to former/current UFC champions (Penn, Edgar, Hughes, and Georges St. Pierre). Considering that fact, in addition to the notion he’s fought 41 times and beaten people like Ken Florian, Evan Dunham, and Nick Diaz, it almost seems as though he deserves to be higher on most lists, including this one. However, his victory over Dunham was razor-thin and saved him from consecutive defeats and he hasn’t been particularly active over the last few years. With five fights since 2007, two of which involved defeat, it’s difficult to know exactly how he stacks up in the mix. Though the 37-year old’s wrestling and top-control are top notch, they’re also his only real weapons in the cage and aren’t always enough to carry him to victory.

8. Ken Florian (13-5)

Florian is constantly on the cusp of lightweight greatness but hasn’t been able to get over the hump for some reason. He’s an underrated striker with solid wrestling and the ability to attack from any position on the ground. “KenFlo” has only been finished once at 155-pounds, to Penn, while submitting the likes of Clay Guida, Takanori Gomi, and Joe Stevenson, but also struggled in some of his biggest fights including both of his past title-shots (and most recently a bout against Maynard set to establish a top divisional contender).

9. George Sotiropoulos (14-2)

The Aussie is one of the hottest 155-pounders out there at the moment. He’s riding an eight-fight win streak, including convincing performances against Stevenson, Joe Lauzon, and Kurt Pellegrino. He’s also yet to be finished in sixteen bouts. His stand-up is crisp and diverse, while his BJJ is other-worldly at times and always a major threat to prematurely ending an opponent’s evening.

10. Evan Dunham (11-1)

Dunham is a rising star to be sure with a single loss thus far in his career (and a split-decision to Sherk at that). His performances haven’t been mind-blowing in nature but it’s hard to fault him too much when considering who he’s faced since joining the UFC. However, with each in-ring appearance, the diamond that Dunham is becomes more and more apparent. He’s growing from simply being good at everything to great.

11. Tatsuya Kawajiri (26-6-2)

Kawajiri has faced a number of talented lightweights over his years in Japan and, though he hasn’t always come out ahead in terms of result, he’s been a consistent competitor whose wrestling and power have been good enough to earn victory more often than not. His four losses over the past six years came to Melendez, Alvarez, Aoki, and a prime Gomi. Other than that, “Crusher” emerged victorious in all sixteen other bouts during that period minus a draw with Caol Uno in early 2004.

12. Jim Miller (18-2)

If Miller had more high-profile fights under his belt in the UFC I honestly believe he’d be a consensus “Top 10” guy. Miller has quietly racked up seven wins in the UFC with single loss to Maynard at UFC 96. He’s won his last five bouts while beating respectable adversaries like Mac Danzig, Duane Ludwig, and Mark Bocek during the streak. On top of that, the 27-year old New Jersey native has never been finished in his career and his only other loss besides Maynard came to Edgar four years ago.

13. K.J. Noons (9-2)

Though Noons hasn’t necessarily fought any “Top 10” lightweights, he went five full rounds against Five Ounces’ #4 welterweight (the elder Diaz) last October and put enough pepper on his face in their previous match-up to merit a doctor’s stoppage. He’s perhaps the most powerful, boxing-based fighter in this group and has shown improvement in terms of both his wrestling and submission-defense as of late. He’d won six straight prior to the decision loss to Diaz and was not only the first person to TKO Jorge Gurgel, but the last person to finish Yves Edwards (two years ago).

14. Ben Henderson (12-1)

It’s easy to appreciate Henderson’s athleticism and submission-skills, as well as his precision when standing, but unfortunately he’s only fought three times in the last eighteen months against a combination of two opponents (Jamie Varner and Donald Cerrone). If he gets by Anthony Pettis at WEC 53, there’s no doubt “Bendo” will continue to climb in the rankings as his UFC career blossoms. However, until fans see him in the Octagon with a few ranked, seasoned veterans it will be hard to determine exactly how far up he can go.

15. Josh Thomson (18-3)

There are a number of worthwhile Mixed Martial Artists as deserving of this spot as Thomson but I picked “The Punk” for a few reasons. He’s 10-1 in his last eleven fights with the only defeat coming to Melendez in their rematch. Within those ten victories is a dominating decision against the afore-mentioned Melendez, as well as a hard-fought win over widely-respected Brazilian (J.Z.) Cavalcante and a few other worthwhile foes like Ludwig, Nam Phan, and Pat Healy. He’s only been finished a single time in his career, and is also a really good wrestler with excellent conditioning and quick, accurate striking. Though he may not get the respect he would if he still fought for Zuffa, he still deserves consideration for what he’s accomplished outside of the Octagon.

Honorable Mentions

Gesias “J.Z.” Cavalcante (15-4-1): The American Top Team representative hasn’t recovered his stride since a slew of injuries sidelined him in 2008-2009, but he’s still an extremely talented individual with significant wins in his career and a full bag of tricks to pull from inside the ring. He’s also never been TKO’d or submitted.
Takanori Gomi (32-6): “The Fireball Kid” is still clinging on to rankings-relevance after being one of, if not the, most exciting lightweights in MMA during his run in PRIDE/Shooto. He’s 3-3 in his last six fights, but looked to have possibly recaptured the same magic bringing him to the forefront of the sport when he knocked Tyson Griffin out this past August.

The two will face off during “Strikeforce: Evolution” on December 19 from the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California.

The news of the bout was confirmed in a midnight bulletin over at GracieFighter.com early Monday morning.

Thomson was forced to the sidelines in both of the pair’s previously scheduled rematch bouts due to ankle and leg injuries. The December showdown with Melendez will mark The Punk’s first return to action since he TKO’d Ashe Bowman at the Playboy Mansion in September of 2008.

Melendez has seen action twice since the decision defeat at the hands of Thomson in July of 2008, knocking out Rodrigo Damm in April of this year, and avenging a former loss while battering Mitsuhiro Ishida in August.

A full list of the bouts expected for “Strikeforce: Evolution” are listed below:

Josh Thomson vs. Gilbert Melendez

Cung Le vs. Scott Smith

Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza vs. Matt Lindland

Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal vs. Mike Whitehead

Robbie Lawler vs. TBA

Scott Lighty vs. Antwain Brit