Gilbert Melendez Looking For Different Ending Against Josh Thomson
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In June of 2008, Gilbert Melendez (16-2) faced Josh Thomson(16-2(1)) for the Strikeforce lightweight title. At the end of the five rounds, Thomson walked away with the unanimous decision victory.
Both men are scheduled to face each other once again for the Strikeforce belt on Dec. 19 at the “Strikeforce: Evolution” event in San Jose, Cali. and this time Melendez is looking for a much different outcome.
In their first bout, Melendez had fought four times in nine months, pushing himself to his limits in that time and coming up short against Thomson. This time the former Strikeforce champ feels better rested and prepared for the rematch.
“Josh took it to me in that fight every round,” Melendez said. “Now I’m going to be more prepared. If we’re both prepared it’s going to be a battle. Yeah, I think you learn a lot from that fight, and the main thing I learned is that I want to be a fighter. If I want to be a fighter, I got to bring my ‘A’ game, every time.”
Melendez, who entered the 2008 fight against Thomson with a record of 14-1, was considered one of the top 10 lightweights in the world and the favorite at the time (and still today) to beat Thomson.
“More than anything I just want to perform better than I did last time,” Melendez said. “I think Josh is right. I am a different man. It’s been a year-and-a-half and it’s almost been two years. It’s also been two years for Josh so I know he’s a better two-year fighter as well.”
At the professional level there is no room for mistakes and Melendez accepts the loss with a better understanding of the work ethic and mentality it takes to keep his hand raised.
“Josh was the better man,” he said. “I have no excuses. He trained harder. He put the time in and it showed out there. And hopefully this time it’s a different story.”
Source: AOL FanHouse
