Gilbert Melendez: I Am a Fighter

Gilbert talks about his shifting priorities trying to balance fighting, school and work and how Jake Shields became a role model for him.
The confrontation between Melendez, a Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu stylist who re-upped with STRIKEFORCE in February, and Kawajiri, a former Shooto welterweight champion, will be a rematch of a fight that Melendez won on a close, unanimous decision on Dec. 31, 2006.
The 5-foot-9 Melendez will be making his first start since scoring a lopsided five-round decision over Aoki on April 17, 2010, in Nashville, Tenn., on SHOWTIME. Melendez has been triumphant in his last four starts, including a unanimous decision over Thomson in a rematch to regain the title on Dec. 19, 2009.
“My hand is healed and I’m 100 percent ready,’’ said Melendez, a highly decorated wrestler and Pride Bushido star who turns 29 on April 12. “I want to prove I’m the No. 1 fighter at 155 in the world. Kawajiri is one of the best anywhere. This is going to be a hard, excellent fight and I am looking forward to it. I don’t want to leave any doubt this time around. I’m ready to rip.’’