MULTI-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH STRIKEFORCE.
Melendez is a protégé of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu master Cesar Gracie and Muay Thai legend Jongsanan Fairtex so why would he be scared? Fans need to understand that Zuffa, LLC which controls the UFC has exclusivity and non-competition clauses preventing their fighters from competiting outside the UFC. In sharp contrast, Strikeforce, Dream, Sengoku, and M-1 Global have not been known to use these clauses. This is how Alistair Overeem and Fedor Emelianenko compete in different competitions. Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker has repeatedly discussed why he thinks this is advantageous to the sport. It is simply a different business approach than Zuffa, LLC. Zuffa who in return for exclusivity pay out large performance bonuses and attract substantial sponsorship money for fighters acting as independent contractors for the UFC. Ford may have invented the automobile but it is no longer the sole dominant manufacturer. MMA like the auto industry needs competition to thrive for fans, businesses, and mostly fighters.
NEW YORK (Feb. 7, 2011) – Two-time STRIKEFORCE World Lightweight Champion (155 pounds), Gilbert “El Nino” Melendez (18-2), has signed a new, multi-year agreement with the San Jose, Calif. based world championship Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) promotion. Today he mentioned on MMAJunkie.com that he wished fans would not ask him if he is scared to fight in the UFC.
Melendez has further stated “STRIKEFORCE is my home, they’ve always been like family to me and I’m looking forward to continuing my career with them,” said the talented, exciting, 5-foot-9, 27-year-old protégé of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu master Cesar Gracie and Muay Thai legend Jongsanan Fairtex. “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.’’
Universally recognized as one of the top 155-pounders in the world, Melendez has won four in a row and five of six.
Melendez of San Francisco, by way of Santa Ana, Calif., last fought on April 17, 2010, retaining the STRIKEFORCE belt with a dominant, lopsided five-round decision over Japanese superstar Shinya Aoki in Nashville, Tenn., live on The CBS Television Network.
The impressive, one-sided triumph over the highly regarded Aoki came in Melendez’ first title defense since he regained the STRIKEFORCE crown with a hard-earned, hard-fought unanimous five- round decision over the fighter that had dethroned him, Josh Thomson, on Dec. 19, 2009, at HP Pavilion San Jose, Calif.
Melendez, who turned pro on Oct. 18, 2002, and won his initial 13 starts, owns other notable victories over MMA standouts Aoki, Clay Guida<http://www.sherdog.com/
“I’m healthy again and excited about fighting again real soon,’’ the personable, charismatic Melendez said. “It doesn’t matter who I fight. I just want to get back in there and rip.’’
About STRIKEFORCE
STRIKEFORCE (www.strikeforce.com<http://
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