Strikeforce Preview: Gilbert Melendez vs Jorge Masvidal

by Dr. Octagon, J.D.

Since parent company Zuffa purchased Strikeforce, the UFC has been poaching talent from the smaller league. Dana White has already taken Nick Diaz, Jake Shields, Fedor (subsequently cut) and Overeem.

Gilbert Melendez (left) is the highest-ranked fighter Strikeforce has left. He’s looked really good lately, but his most notable recent win is probably against Shinya Aoki. Now Aoki has a good record, but he’s been fighting in Dream, which really doesn’t boast a lot of top fighters. Melendez is fighting Jorge Masvidal, who has looked sharp since he came down from welterweight after losing to Paul Daley. Masvidal is a 3-1 or 4-1 dog depending on where you look, but really should be given much more of a chance than that. I’m not saying that he’s a lock to win or anything like that, but the odds should probably be a little bit closer to even,

Gegard Mousasi is fighting Ovince St. Preux, who I know nothing about since I haven’t bothered to watch the Strikeforce Challengers. But Mousasi is a solid fighter and should win.

Also on the main card, Cris Cyborg is fighting a former Dominatrix from Japan (Odds are 14-1 for Cyborg). Those are insane odds in a sport where anything can happen. I have no clue about the skills of the former sex-worker, but if this is another lopsided win for the muscular Brazilian they should declare the division cleaned out and let her fight men.

Billy Evangelista is fighting KJ Noons, who just came off a tough loss to Masvidal. Noons is tough as shit and managed to finish the fight despite breaking his orbital bone right away. Billy Evangelista is also coming off a loss to Masvidal and before that he lost to Nick Diaz at welterweight in a five-round decision, longer than B.J. Penn lasted against Diaz.

Frank Shamrock just called Melendez the best lightweight on the planet.  A ridiculous statement given the low quality of his opponents as of late.