Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez successfully defended his title Saturday against challenger Jorge Masvidal.
Melendez was rarely challenged in the main event, shown on Showtime, with Masvidal failing to exploit his reach advantage and the champ, also known as “El Nino” showcasing his superior skills on his way to winning a unanimous decision.
The San Diego crowd was heavily in favor of Melendez, repeatedly chanting his name as he controlled the fight. Melendez now has a 20-2 MMA record and seemed extremely confident after the bout, directing comments at the UFC and asking for more competition to challenge him. He said he’s prepared to take on the UFC’s lightweight champion, no matter who he is.
Female champ and crowd favorite Chris Cyborg also defended her belt on the fight night, defeating her opponent in only 17 seconds with a vicious flurry of punches.
Gil took the safe route in this fight. Hew didn’t do much to prove he deserves squat from the UFC. He fought a guy that played it safe as well. Both waiting for a mistake to capitalize. Not how a champ fights.