Gilbert Melendez: Underrated Fighter Showcase #12
Gilbert Melendez (April 12, 1982) is an MMA Fighter who fought in the Lightweight division of the UFC He is a 2x Strikeforce Lightweight Champion and former WEC Champion. He also competed in PRIDE,Shooto, and ROTR. Today I’ll be showcasing most of his wins in each promotion.
Melendez(1-0) vs Jeff “Hellbound” Hougland(2-2)
WEC 6: Return of the Legend
Melendez defeats Jeff Hougland via KO/TKO in the 2nd round.
Melendez(2-0) vs Stephen “Bozo” Palling(11-4-1)
ROTR 4: Penn vs Gomi
Melendez overwhelmed Palling with his striking, leading to the referee stopping the match in the 1st.
Melendez(3-0) vs Olaf Alfonso(3-0)
WEC 10: Bragging Rights
Melendez finishes Alfonso in the 3rd and becomes the 1st WEC LW Champion.
Melendez(4-0) vs Kaynan “The Barbarian” Kaku(5-0)
Rumble On The Rock 6: Penn vs Gracie
Melendez showcased dominance with his striking as Kaku was unprepared and struggled once he was hit, leading to Melendez securing KO/TKO in the 2nd.
Melendez(5-0) vs Hiroyuki “Streetfight Bancho” Takaya(4-0-1)
Shooto: Year End Show 2004
The fight went the full three rounds, with Melendez controlling much of the action through his grappling and ground control leading to a clear decision victory.
Melendez(6-0) vs Naoya Uematsu(14-3-2)
Shooto: 5/4 in Korakuen Hall
Melendez defeated Naoya Uematsu by TKO in the 2nd Round after brutal GnP that opened a cut and forced the Stoppage.
Melendez(7-0) vs Rumina “Moon Wolf” Sato(23-8-2)
Shooto: Alive Road
Melendez showcased his Takedown Defense and striking, forcing the ref to step in after brutal knees in the Plum that opened a cut and stop the fight early in the 1st Round.
Melendez(8-0) vs Harris “The Hitman” Sarmiento(20-12)
Strikeforce: Shamrock vs Gracie
Melendez runs through Sarmiento and gets the KO/TKO finish early in the 2nd.
Title Fight: Melendez(9-0) vs Clay “The Carpenter” Guida(19-4)
Strikeforce: Revenge
Melendez successfully captures the title against Guida in a closely contested fight going all five rounds with Melendez controlling much of the fight through his wrestling and ground game.
Melendez(10-0) vs Nobuhiro Obiya(9-0-1)
Pride Bushido 12: Bushido Survival
2nd Round Melendez showcased his superior striking and grappling, he effectively controlled the pace and direction of the fight, outlasting and outmaneuvering Obiya throughout the contest.
Melendez(11-0) vs Tatsuya “Crusher” Kawajiri(19-3-2)
Pride Shockwave 2006
Melendez defeated Kawajiri by a controversial decision. It was Kawajiri's return to PRIDE and marked one of the first losses for Kawajiri against an undefeated Melendez on the rise.
Melendez(12-0) vs Tetsuji Kato(19-7)
Strikeforce: Playboy Mansion
Melendez defeated Tetsuji Kato by unanimous decision showcasing his skills in a non-title bout, effectively controlling the fight and outstriking Kato over the course of the match.
Title Defense #1: Melendez(13-1) vs Gabe Lemley(11-6)
Strikeforce: Shamrock vs Le
Melendez runs through Gabe Lemley and gets the KO/TKO in the 2nd Round to successfully defend his title for the 1st time.
Melendez(14-2) vs Rodrigo Damm(8-2)
Strikeforce: Shanrock vs Diaz
Melendez dominated Damm with his striking eventually forcing the referee to stop the fight. To get back in the win column after losing the belt to Thomson.
Interim Title Fight: Melendez(15-2) vs “Endless Fighter” Mitsuhiro Ishida(18-5-1) II
Strikeforce: Carano vs Cyborg
Melendez avenges his 1st defeat defeating Ishida via TKO in the 3rd round. Melendez dominated the fight, where he got Ishida's back and finished him in the 3rd.
Unification Fight: Melendez(16-2) vs Josh “The Punk” Thomson(18-2) II
Strikeforce: Evolution
Melendez edges out Thomson, avenging his previous loss to Thomson and capturing the undisputed title. This match is often regarded as one of the best in the history of Strikeforce.
Title Defense #2: Melendez(17-2) vs “Tibikan Judan” Shinya Aoki(23-4)
Strikeforce: Nashville
Melendez effectively managed to stifle Aoki’s grappling, using his striking to outpoint Aoki in pretty dominant fashion.
Title Defense #3: Melendez(18-2) vs Tatsuya “Crusher” Kawajiri(27-6-2) II
Strikeforce: Diaz vs Daley
Melendez effectively used his striking to stagger Kawajiri, followed up with a series of ground strikes, leading to the referee stopping the match.
Title Defense #4: Melendez(19-2) vs Jorge “Gamebred” Masvidal(22-6)
Strikeforce: Melendez vs Masvidal
Melendez used his effective striking and maintaining control, despite Masvidal's attempts to counter with his own strikes and movement. Melendez earns a clear decision win.
Title Defense #5: Melendez(20-2) vs Josh “The Punk” Thomson(21-4) III
Strikeforce: Barnett vs Cormier
Despite the close contest, Melendez brings his record in the series to 2-1 against Thomson leading to some to label it as the "Fight of the Year."
Melendez(21-3) vs Diego “Nightmare” Sanchez(24-5)
UFC 166: Velasquez vs Dos Santos 3
In an instant classic, both fighters displayed incredible toughness and aggression with Melendez picking up a hard fought decision victory.
This would be Gilbert’s last win in MMA. Despite not having the UFC Career most expected from him, Gilbert was considered one of the top,to some THE best, lightweights outside the UFC. Gilbert’s career is marked by his ability to compete at the highest level against some of the best in the sport, showcasing his skills in various promotions and earning a reputation as a fierce champion and competitor . Thank You Gilbert for all gave us fight fans.
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