STRIKEFORCE PREVIEW: MELENDEZ VS. THOMSON

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STRIKEFORCE PREVIEW: MELENDEZ VS. THOMSON
Friday, June 27, 2008 - by Ricardo Mendoza - MMAWeekly.com

On Friday night in San Jose, Calif. at the HP Pavilion, Strikeforce will put on one of the most anticipated fights of the year when Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez defends his title against local sensation Josh Thomson.

These two have been set to face off with one another for the past year, but injuries and other obligations have prevented them from doing so until now.

Melendez last saw action at the last Strikeforce, in late March, when he dispatched the smaller Gabe Lemley in dominating fashion. Thomson hasn’t fought since last year, when he knocked out Adam Lynn at the Strikeforce show that was held in September at the Playboy Mansion.

Thomson has been on the sidelines since his last fight when, during training, he severely injured his shoulder, which required him to have surgery and put him out of action for several months. Although its not one hundred percent, Thomson assures everyone that like all other fighters with nagging injuries it shouldn’t be a concern.

One thing that makes this fight all the more interesting is that these two fighters are good friends and have trained together for the past several years. They both know what each other’s strengths and weaknesses are, so don’t expect much of a feeling out process because they both already know what the other has to offer.

I have been witness to these two going at it during training and they have had some wars. If they fight like they did in training, then we may witness one of the greatest fights in mixed martial arts history.

Melendez is one of the top lightweights in the world, ranked No. 6 by MMAWeekly.com, and he has worked hard to get to that point. Thomson is one of the premier lightweights, but Melendez will be his toughest test to date without a doubt.

Both fighters have a wrestling background, but Melendez relies on it more than Thomson, who prefers to stand and bang. They both have power in their hands with Melendez having a huge right hand, while Thomson is the more technical striker of the two, as he mixes in more knees and kicks into his striking arsenal. Thomson’s biggest advantage will be on the bottom, where he will threaten Melendez with submissions. Melendez has shown that he can defend submissions, but hasn’t really utilized them as an offensive weapon.

Thomson will want to keep the fight on the feet though, where he will keep the distance and try to use kicks and quick combinations to tag Melendez. The one thing that he will need to be wary of is Melendez’s big right hand, which could put him down for good.

Melendez will be looking to get the fight to the ground to unleash a barrage of strikes that will have Thomson on the defensive. He will need to be careful to not get too wild because Thomson will take advantage and lock on a submission from his back.

Neither fighter should have a problem when it comes to cardio, as they both have enough energy to last for days. More than likely, these two will go at it for five hard rounds that will have everyone on the edge of their seats.

The real winner of this fight will be those of us that will witness these two warriors go at each other for five entertaining rounds. If you can’t be at the HP Pavilion then be sure to catch the action on HDNet because this will be a fight that everyone will be talking about for some time to come.