Thomson took champion Gilbert Melendez to the limit on Saturday night in their co-headlining clash at the Strikeforce Grand Prix Final and nearly came away with the belt thanks to a spirited performance highlighted by his success while standing and near finish of “El Nino” in the fourth frame. Though Melendez ultimately won a decision some would label as controversial, Thomson seemed content with the result when asked about it after the fight and had no harsh words to offer up on the scoring or his rival’s victory.

“Everyone keeps telling me I got robbed but I don’t really think on that. I just think it was a good performance by both fighters. We gave the crowd what they wanted to see and it seems like everyone was happy. I mean I’m not happy I lost but it was a great fight,” said Thomson in an interview with Showtime, adding he was also pleased to have turned in an entertaining effort on the heels of his self-labeled “sh*tty” showing in an outpointing of K.J. Noons a few months back.

“It just goes back to the old adage that you can’t leave it in the judges’ hands,” continued the 19-5 Thomson. “It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have left it. I should’ve done it myself. I should’ve finished him in the fourth, to be honest, with the Rear-Naked. Had the opportunity and just couldn’t get it done.”

With Melendez unlikely to accept another match-up against Thomson in favor of focusing on new opponents it’s hard to say who the American Kickboxing Academy staple will step in the cage with next. What is certain, however, is the likelihood of Thomson doing his damndest to keep it exciting even if he comes up short in the end.

Check out the full interview with Thomson below:

PHOTO CREDIT – STRIKEFORCE

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

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

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

In the co-main event of Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey, Thomson earned a decision victory over K.J. Noons in a bout likely vaulting him into a title-fight with Gilbert Melendez later this year. For Thomson the win over Noons was welcome but his performance was a huge disappointment, mentioning in the post-fight interview inside the cage he was far from pleased with how he picked up the victory.

“It was sh*t,” said Thomson in a frank assessment of his showing. “How else do you explain it; it was sh*t. I haven’t fought in fifteen months. I tried something different (in training to avoid getting injured), but I got staph twice, so my conditioning was sh*t. So, my fight was sh*t.”

Thomson improved his record to 19-4 in his career with the win including a victory over Melendez. “El Nino” claimed the title from Thomson back in 2009 via decision meaning a third tussle would settle the score. Melendez provided commentary during the bout and welcomed the fight.

“I do feel (fighting Melendez) is next,” Thomson said. “I am going to go back to the way I used to train and make sure I whip Gilbert’s ass.”

Watch below as a visibly disappointed Thomson elaborates more on his win over Noons in an interview backstage after the bout’s conclusion:

PHOTO CREDIT – STRIKEFORCE

Thomson (18-4) has been on the sidelines for over a year due to an injury but won his last two fights inside the Strikeforce cage against Gesias Cavalcante and Pat Healy. He also is 1-1 with Melendez, meaning a rubber match could be store, while holding on overall record of 9-2 inside the organization.

Noons is coming off a victory over Billy Evangelista that ended a two-fight losing skid with decision defeats to Nick Diaz and recent lightweight contender Jorge Masvidal. He holds an overall record of 11-4 with eight TKOs.

News of the potential pairing was first reported by MMAJunkie.

The finals of the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix are also slated for the event, along with title-fight between bantamweight champ Miesha Tate and Olympic judoka Ronda Rousey and a battle between Paul Daley-Kazuo Misaki.

PHOTO CREDIT – STRIKEFORCE

News of the injury was first reported by MMAFighting.com

After an injury plagued 2009, Thomson fought three times in 2010, going 2-1 in those bouts. However, he hasn’t competed since Dynamite!! 2010 on New Years Eve in Japan against Tatsuya Kawajiri. The former Strikeforce lightweight champion put up a spirited effort but was ultimately defeated by one of Japan’s top 155 fighters via unanimous decision. “The Punk” hasn’t stepped foot in the Strikeforce cage since last October when he defeated Gesias Cavalcante by decision.

No word yet if Strikeforce will seek a replacement for Blanco.

Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Kharitonov is scheduled for September 10 at the U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio. The event will feature both semifinal Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix bouts featuring Josh Barnett vs. Sergei Kharitonov and Antonio Silva vs. Daniel Cormier. Also on the card is a Strikeforce middleweight title fight between champ Ronaldo Souza and Luke Rockhold.

The situation is not lost on Cavalcante, who expressed his interest in a spot on Strikeforce’s January 29 event but was rebuffed based on the card already having been booked. As such, “J.Z.” is now targeting the promotion’s following show in February with a specific opponent in mind – Josh Thomson.

Cavalcante talked about his interest in a rematch with Thomson, as well offered his take on the UFC’s absorption of WEC, in a recent conversation with Tatame.

Interestingly, Cavalcante expressed concern about the UFC recently adding WEC’s weight-classes and doing away with the company as a whole even if he appreciated the opportunity some smaller fighters were going to get.

“That was great, a very good thing, mainly for the lighter ones, of 145-pound division or below. Even the guys on the lightweight division that got mixed up…It’s good to have more competition, but it’s a bad thing though because there’ll be many cuts. Everybody who was fighting on WEC will now fight (for the UFC), but I see many people getting fired. Many people will be fired because there (aren’t) so many events for all those fighters to fight. For the guys from WEC it was excellent, but I’d prefer if WEC had grown by itself and became as huge as (the UFC) even if both events belong to the same company, Zuffa. In my mind, as an athlete, I think that for the sport it’ll be better if WEC grew by itself.”

On the subject of his future, Cavalcante was very clear about wanting to fight Thomson and the nature of his desire to do so.

“In my mind, I think I did my job. I did enough to deserve the win,” the American Top Team-trained lightweight explained of his loss to “The Punk” in October. “I dominated the first and the last rounds, lost the second one, but that’s it… I won’t start pointing out people to blame. If I have to point out my finger to someone, that someone will be myself for not doing my job completely, only 50%. I had the chance to knock him down, I had the chance to submit him and I didn’t, so my focus is to keep improving those aspects of my game and don’t stay on this ‘almost there’ level… I want to win.”

As for the specific reasons why he wants to fight Thomson again, Cavalcante replied, “I hate this doubt that people now have about that fight.” He also acknowledged an increased comfort with the process of fighting Strikeforce could help too, elaborating that,”…a new event always brings you something new. A timing gap, the scheduling, and I had a problem with the Commission there and I didn’t have time to warm up and do my things, but I was prepared for it, and my mind was also prepared for it. I’d like to have this same opportunity again, at the same place, the same judges… I’d like that, even because I’d like to make it clear I went there to fight, that I’m capable of beating him, which I did last time, but they didn’t see it that way.”

Though the 18-3 Thomson is currently scheduled to face Tatsuya Kawajiri on New Year’s Eve at “Dynamite – Power of Courage” in Japan, meaning a very short turnaround period regardless of result, a second fight with Cavalcante would undoubtedly involve as much excitement as their previous pairing did. The Brazilian has never been finished in his twenty-fight career, has a near-even split between submission/TKO wins, and has emerged victorious against respected adversaries like Nam Phan, Michihiro Omigawa, Vitor Ribeiro, Bart Palaszewski, and Caol Uno.

PHOTO CREDIT – STRIKEFORCE

News of the cross-promotional bout was first reported by MMAFighting.

Including his match-up with Cavalcante, Thomson has emerged victorious in ten of his last eleven bouts with the lone exception being a five-round decision loss to “Top 3” lightweight and current Strikeforce title-holder Gilbert Melendez (a man he’s also beaten). “The Punk” has finished thirteen of the eighteen opponents he’s beaten while only having been stopped a single time in his twenty-one fight career.

Kawajiri (26-6-2) will be returning to the ring for the first time since suffering a cringe-worthy Achilles Lock to Shinya Aoki at DREAM 15 last July. Prior to the submission, “Crusher” had won four consecutive fights as well as seven of the nine before starting the run of straight success.

Opening up the event on Showtime, BJJ ace Andre Galvao and talented grappler Tyron Woodley both acknowledged the opportunity at hand when they lock horns. “Tyron is a tough fighter, a top wrestling guy who has fought three times on Strikeforce,” said Galvao of his undefeated opponent. “I am excited and have a good game plan. I’m ready to go.”

Woodley, on the other hand, stated he wasn’t as concerned with Galvao’s strategy against him so much as the chance to work his way towards a shot at welterweight gold. “I can’t concern myself on what an opponent my do. It’s up to me to turn my weaknesses into strengths,” he began. “This fight means a ton to me. I fought through the Strikeforce Challengers series. Fans got to learn my story as a fighter, they got to see me develop and get better each fight. They got to submit guys fast. They got to see me go through wars. This is definitely a step forward towards my dream to be a champion. We’ll get those fireworks going on Saturday.”

While both 170-pounders were well-behaved, Josh Thomson took time to talk trash in relation to his bout against Strikeforce newcomer JZ Cavalcante, though the smack was curiously directed at a lightweight peer rather than his Brazilian opponent and actually used in a complimentary fashion rather than a derogatory one.

“JZ is a savage and a beast and I think it’s a joke that you guys have a guy like Ben Henderson ranked above a guy like him,” said Thomson of Cavalcante and WEC’s lightweight champ. “I could go out there and fight the fight of my life and still lose. I have to beat him everywhere; there is no way I am going to win this fight doing one thing. JZ has fought some good ones all over the world. He is probably bigger and hits harder so I know I have to lay it on the line and see what happens.”

However, American Top Team’s Cavalcante avoided posturing of any sort, opting instead to address his recent injury problems and excitement about fighting the former 155-pound champ in front of an American crowd. “I was off a long time because of my injuries but I’ve seen a lot by working with teammates and other guys that have helped me stay involved in the game…but there is nothing like a real fight,” said the 27-year old. “This will be an excellent fight and I’m really looking forward to it and fighting for Strikeforce. I like being part of a fight fans want to see and are talking about. This is my chance to make a name for myself in America.”

All four participants slated for the evening’s title-bouts also had a chance to address their opponents and offer a take on the event as a whole. Female welterweight champ Sarah Kaufman expressed her appreciation for defending her belt on a major card, saying, “This is definitely a big deal for the 135-pound division and a big push forward for it. The more attention and exposure we get, the more the fan base will grow. There’s already a good fan base for the Strikeforce women at 145 pounds, so this is a great opportunity for us and the division.”

Her adversary on Saturday, Marloes Coenen, stated dropping down a division to face Kaufman hadn’t hurt her power, and said the chance to hoist Strikeforce gold above her head meant a tremendous amount to her. “This fight means the world to me. I won a world tournament in Japan ten years ago and here I am again, ten years later, with another opportunity to win another potentially life-changing event. A victory means I can stay and have a career in America. I would love that to happen very much,” said the Dutch submission specialist.

Closing the press conference out, headlining rivals Diaz and Noons maintained civility while discussing their long-awaited rematch rather than resorting to behavior similar to that bringing about a post-fight melee in their EliteXC days.

“I have respect for Nick as a fighter. His style works for him and I like to watch him fight,” said Noons of the welterweight champion. “The first fight I worked on going forward against Nick because Nick never fights going backward, but I’ve been working on all aspects of the game. I’m sure at some point he’s going to try and take me down but I am ready for anything.”

Diaz keep things professional as well. “I feel good and weight-wise I am almost perfect. I was angry for a long time (about the first fight). I was real upset that it ended the way it did because it wasn’t like I was hurt. Then I kind of dropped the idea of ever fighting a rematch because he got out of MMA. I never considered the first fight as a loss. I just always looked at it as a fight that was stopped (too soon),” replied Diaz when asked about his initial scrap with part-time pro boxer Noons and the bout’s stoppage for cuts.

However, the Stockton native closed things out by making sure fans understood he won’t be entering the ring on Saturday with personal feelings getting in the way of his ultimate goal of retaining his strap.

“I don’t feel that this fight is about revenge…but I’m happy now that he took the fight.”

“Strikeforce – Diaz vs. Noons II” takes place in Strikeforce’s home-base of San Jose and will be available for viewing this Saturday night on Showtime beginning at 9:00 PM ET (delayed on the West Coast).

PHOTO CREDIT – Esther Lin / STRIKEFORCE

Regardless of how well-known he is or isn’t, Cavalcante will almost certainly maintain the interest of both groups this October 9th when he makes his Strikeforce debut in San Jose against former promotional lightweight champ Josh Thomson. Both well-rounded in terms of skill, Thomson and Cavalcante have nearly identical records and a fearless approach to fighting, as well as an understanding of the bout’s significance in terms of 155-pound contendership.

The 27-year old Brazilian recently sat down with media and spoke about the upcoming bout, his present health after a handful of unfortunate injuries, and why he feels more relaxed than usual entering things even though he’ll be facing a hometown product at the event.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve fought in the U.S. I am glad to be fighting here and Josh is a former champion and it will be a tough fight,” Cavalcante explained. “It is not an easy task to come over to the U.S. and have a good fight but life isn’t easy. I like the challenge and I think the fans want to watch this fight. As a fan want to watch this fight.”

“I don’t feel pressure especially since people don’t know me and they don’t know what to expect…so there is no pressure at all,” he continued. “There is more pressure when people know you and expect you to do well. I have been through situations with pressure from the fans expecting things and pressure from myself. I am not putting pressure on myself to do well. I know my potential. I know I am training hard and have an excellent camp…almost the best in the world and I have great teammates. I just keep focused and control and try to keep everything balanced.”

“I am always fighting in someone else’s territory, and I know it’s different in Japan…everyone is quiet and respectful, whereas here people are loud, screaming and booing,” Cavalcante said of Thomson being a San Jose native. “But a fight in a fight. I am so grateful I have a great camp. I’ve been through this with my corner men, and we have a strong connection and experience together.”

As far as his ongoing recovery from a slew of rib/knee injuries sustained while training or in bouts, Cavalcante expressed confidence in his current state while referencing his decision win over Katsunori Kikuno at DREAM 15 earlier this year. “I am feeling good,” he said on the subject. “I fought in July. It was a good fight…I fought for 15 minutes…I felt a big rusty because of the injury, but now I am healthy. After that fight I am much more confident, mentally physically, everything is there. I am training good, thank God.”

Per the usual, Cavalcante also spoke about how he felt his match-up with Thomson would go and whether or not he felt the outcome would be affected by competing in a cage rather than the four-sided ring he is more-accustomed to fighting in.

“I train a lot in the cage,” he said dismissively of the difference. “Most of my teammates fight in the cage, so I have been training with them. My game works well in the cage…sometimes even better than in the ring. I think both the cage and ring have pros and cons but I always look for the pros in my favor. I am working hard and nothing is different.”

In conclusion, he showed due respect to Thomson and recognized the need to take a general approach to strategy rather than expect an easy win based on any particular holes in the former Strikeforce champion’s game.

“I am going to look for everything…Both of us are complete fighters. I can come and fight – he can stand up, go to the ground, he can take down. So I am not looking for anything in particular. Don’t miss the fight…I am looking to fight my hardest for fifteen minutes, so when he makes a mistake I can grab it and win the fight.”

Cavalcante is 15-3-1 in his career with past wins over Caol Uno, Bart Palaszewski, and Vitor “Shaolin” Ribeiro. While he has beaten twelve of his opponents by way of submission/TKO, he himself has never been finished and owes all three of his losses to ringside scoring.

In addition to Cavalcante vs. Thomson, Strikeforce’s October 9th event is scheduled to feature a welterweight title-fight between Nick Diaz and KJ Noons, as well as 135-pound champion Sarah Kaufman putting her belt up for grabs against Marloes Coenen. Matt Lindland will also face Luke Rockhold at the show.

Thomson, who celebrates his 32nd birthday next Tuesday, recently spoke to media about his upcoming bout against the talented Brazilian, mentioning among other things his respect for the American Top Team product’s abilities, why he found the match-up appealing, and how he envisions the fight unfolding.

“I am excited for (the bout),” stated Thomson. “It’s been a rough camp…obviously when you are training hard for someone at JZ’s caliber you want to make sure that training goes perfect and I’ve been trying to make it as perfect as possible. I have bumps and bruises, everything that every fighter goes through, but so far it’s been a good camp.”

“I have had a lot of good guys to train with and I don’t think the media will get the grasp of the situation until JZ gets into the ring…it’s nice to have him come over from Japan and fight here stateside,” he continued while referencing the fact Cavalcante hasn’t competed outside of Japan since 2007.

When asked for more information on exactly how he was preparing for Cavalcante, “The Punk” replied, “I brought in a couple of other trainers, who have helped out a lot, so I have been working on my hands and I’m also working with a couple of some side guys on my kick boxing as well. I’ve been putting it all together and I have been working a lot on my wrestling as well. It is going to be interesting to see how the fight pans out.”

“Everyone I have talked to about him said that he is far and away the best that they have there down at the gym and I know I have my hands full,” he elaborated. “You can’t come to a fight like this with a chip on your shoulder and be arrogant about it. You have to go out there and be ready for everything that is going to happen. If I go out there and think that he can’t hurt me I am going to lose this fight. If he goes out there and rocks me in the first round your whole game plans goes out the door, and your mentality and everything gets ruined.”

As far as his assessment on what he sees taking place once the cage-door closes, Thomson responded, “I don’t think either one of us have an advantage. He is a little shorter than me. We have completely different styles, so it’s hard to say who has the advantage. We are both really well-rounded…he has great stand-up. Everyone wants to talk about mine but I hate to say it but he’s got phenomenal (striking). He’s a great fighter. He’s got the fighter spirit in him and he will never give up. He will fight to the end. I think this will be a knockdown fight. I see this being a knockdown, drag out fight.”

“(So) I can’t say that anyone really has the advantage,” he reiterated. “I fight a little bit faster. He’s probably a little bit stronger. He probably has a little more power. Obviously I am going to try to beat him to the punch. Wrestling wise he is a little shorter so he will probably be a little harder to take down, those type of things play a big factor. I need to go out there and implement my game plan and get in his face and let him know that it’s going to be a fight for three rounds.”

The 17-3 fighter also made it clear he wasn’t looking too far ahead, at least in regards to a rubber-match against current Strikeforce lightweight champ Gilbert Melendez, saying, “I think they are all must wins, everyone talking about the third fight. The last fight I was thinking about the third fight but the biggest problem was I think that there were a lot of things going through my mind which showed in my performance. It was a really lackluster performance, nothing was put together right. I broke two ribs in the first round and everything went down hill.”

Thomson continued, “So this fight what I did was I wiped my mind clean of the title fight. Everyone is talking to me about the Gilbert fight, and I was letting that get ahead of my actually training. You hear athletes say all the time I’ve got to take care of this one match first, and if this doesn’t happen there won’t be a third fight with Gilbert, and I let that hinder what I was doing last time. I definitely won’t be thinking about the third fight. I will be thinking about what is in front of me.”

In addition to the scrap between Thomson and Cavalcante for top 155-pound contendership, Strikeforce’s October 9th event is headlined by Nick Diaz defending his welterweight strap against rival KJ Noons, female champion Sarah Kaufman putting her title on the line against Marloes Coenen, and rising star Luke Rockhold facing typically-tough grappler Matt “The Law” Lindland.

The 27-year old Brazilian bounced back with a split-decision win over Katsunori Kikuno last July after nearly a year-long layoff from the sport, and will apparently look to continue regaining more of his mojo on Strikeforce’s October 9th offering in a bout against former promotional champ Josh “The Punk” Thomson.

The pairing will serve as Cavalcante’s Strikeforce debut and comes after signing a four-fight deal with the company earlier this year.

News of the match-up was originally reported by Cavalcante’s manager, Alex Davis, during a recent conversation with MMAWeekly. Five Ounces of Pain has since confirmed the bout with Strikeforce officials.

Thomson is 9-1 in his last ten bouts with the only loss coming by way of decision to current Strikeforce lightweight title-holder Gilbert Melendez last December. Prior to the fight Thomson hadn’t lost since March 2006. He has only been finished once in a career spanning nearly a decade and is 17-3 overall as a professional.

The card is slated to be headlined by a grudge-match disguised as a title fight in the form of 170-pound champ Nick Diaz defending his belt against rival KJ Noons, as well as feature Sarah Kaufman putting her welterweight strap up for grabs against Marloes Coenen and rising middleweight star Luke Rockhold facing veteran Matt Lindland. The event will take place October 9th in the promotion’s home-base of San Jose, California’s HP Pavilion.

Thomson edged out Melendez via unanimous decision in the first battle between the California based rivals in a bout that took place more than a year ago in June of 2008, but according to “The Punk”, he didn’t even bother to review his previous victory as he fully expects a new and improved “El Nino” on December 19 when the two slug it out live on Showtime.

“This is a completely different fight than the last fight,” explained Thomson during a recent media call. “I didn’t even watch the last fight. Gilbert, I think, is a different fighter. I think he’ll come in with a different mentality and a different mindset.

“I don’t want to look at the past. I have to be sure I bring it home again and I’m not really looking at the last fight as a measuring stick whatsoever. It’s going to be a different Gilbert and a different fight.”

No excuses. That’s how Thomson wants it, and honestly, that’s just the way it’s going to be this time around. While Josh has been forced to pull out of two bouts prior to this one due to a broken ankle and the rehabilitation process that followed, he’s ready to go in this one.

“I don’t want the media to make any excuses if I go out there and he beats me fair and square,” said Thomson. “I don’t want people thinking that he beat me because I had all this time off or ring rust or whatever. I’m telling you right now I’m 100 percent. I’m ready to fight and if he beats me it’s because he was the better fighter that night. There is nothing else to it.

“I want to make that clear to the media now and to everyone who talks to me and to all my friends even and even to the guy who comes up to me in an alleyway and says something to me. I’m 100 percent, I’m ready to fight and I’m ready to bring my title home. If he beats me it’s because he was the better fighter.”

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

Earlier reports had surfaced that the Strikeforce lightweight championship bout between Josh Thomson and Gilbert Melendez was in danger of being scrapped due to Thomson’s inability to fully recover from a recently broken leg.

Strikeforce’s Director of Communications Mike Afromowitz has recently squashed those reports in a recent conversation with The Fight Network, stating, “Those reports were not true”.

The lightweight championship is expected to take place as planned on August 15 from San Jose, California. The card will feature a main event  between Gina Carano and Cris “Cyborg” Santos and will air live on Showtime.

Showtime officials issued a press release Wednesday night announcing that Thomson vs. Melendez II had been scrubbed in light of the fact that Thomson recently broke his leg during a sparring session with fellow Strikeforce competitor Billy Evangelista.

“I was sparring hard and I broke my leg, above my ankle, during an exchange,” the 30-year-old Thomson is quoted as saying in the release. “I’m very upset. All the hard work was done and it was time to fight,” said the injured champ. “I was looking forward to putting on a great show for the fans. All I can say is that I’ll be back when I get healthy.”

Melendez is expected to remain on the card with Strikeforce officials currently in the midst of seeking out a new opponent.

Strikeforce’s April 11 event is slated to emanate from the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. The card, which will mark the first of a multi-fight agreement with premium cable network Showtime, will be headlined by former Strikeforce middleweight champion Frank Shamrock taking on Nick Diaz at a catchweight of 179 pounds.

Watch as Tan and Josh Thomson discuss Thomson’s upcoming Strikeforce lightweight title defense vs. Gilbert Melendez on April 11, whether he wants to fight more frequently, what happened regarding a rumored bout vs. K.J. Noons, if he feels pressure fighting on Showtime, and more.