Strikeforce has wrapped up its lightweight champion for the foreseeable future.
Gilbert Melendez (18-2 MMA, 8-1 SF), a staple of the San Jose, Calif.-based organization and one of the world's top-ranked 155-pound fighters, has signed a new multi-year deal, officials today announced.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
No return date or opponent have been determined for Melendez's next fight, but it could come at a currently planned April 9 event, which also features the second half of the Strikeforce heavyweight grand prix's opening round.
"Strikeforce is my home, they've always been like family to me, and I'm looking forward to continuing my career with them," the 27-year-old fighter stated. "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."
Melendez, who trains under Brazilian jiu-jitsu master Cesar Gracie and Muay Thai legend Jongsanan Fairtex, hasn't fought since an April title defense over Shinya Aoki at "Strikeforce; Nashville." It was his fourth consecutive win, which included a decisive unanimous-decision win over Josh Thomson in which Melendez reclaimed his belt.
Along with the likes of Bellator champ Eddie Alvarez and DREAM champ Aoki, Alvarez is one of the few top-ranked 155-pounders not employed by the UFC.
Thanks to: http://www.mmajunkie.com/ for coverage.
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