Issue 081
November 2011
The team ‘Skrap Pack’ Strikeforce champion is out to prove he is the best lightweight on the planet
NEED TO KNOW
NAME Gilbert Melendez
AGE 29
STARTED 2002
DIVISION Lightweight
STYLE Wrestling, BJJ
BASED San Francisco, Ca
RECORD 19-2
11 (T)KOs (57.9%)
1 Subs (5.3%)
7 Decisions (36.8%)
The current Strikeforce lightweight champion has fought his way through the ranks to be considered among the top five lightweights in the world. With his tough, grinding style, ‘El Nino’ has shown time and again that he fears no man (from jiu-jitsu ace Shinya Aoki to tech striker Josh Thomson) and the Skrap Pack lightweight has his sights set on establishing himself as the world’s number-one 155lb fighter.
With Strikeforce running out of challengers, it might not be long before the battle-hardened Californian gets his chance to prove himself inside the UFC Octagon.
After meeting and training with fellow San Francisco State wrestler Jake Shields, it wasn’t long before Melendez decided it was also his “calling” to be a fighter. He won his professional MMA debut by TKO in the opening round, remaining undefeated until 2007, winning both the WEC and Strikeforce lightweight titles.
After suffering decision losses to Mitsuhiro Ishida and Josh Thomson, El Nino showed that not only is he as durable as they come, but also that he has the ability and the intelligence to evolve as a mixed martial artist. Melendez began to take fewer chances in his fights, becoming less reckless with his aggression and much more focused on strategy.
In 2009, he avenged both defeats on his record and won back the Strikeforce lightweight championship. In his last performance, he demolished Japanese contender Tatsuya Kawajiri, winning by TKO in surprisingly quick fashion. Since his last victory, Strikeforce’s number-one lightweight has made it clear he considers himself to be the best lightweight in the world. However, if he is going to prove his number-one status to the fans and to other fighters, the UFC is the only place for El Nino to go.
Gilbert Melendez currently trains at Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and owns his own gym, El Nino Training Center. His gym is also his home, where he lives with his girlfriend Keri Ann and one-year-old daughter, Leylakay Valentina Melendez. His next title defence will be against Jorge Masvidal, at the end of the year.
TEAM SPIRIT
Training alongside other top fighters such as Jake Shields and the Diaz Brothers, Melendez is part of a formidable brotherhood. They are willing to fight for each other as well as themselves, something which they proved at Strikeforce: Nashville, taking their ‘Skrap Pack’ monicker quite literally in a post-fight brawl with outspoken contender Jason ‘Mayhem’ Miller.
EVOLUTION
There have been a lot of fighters in this sport who have fallen behind, unable to keep up with the pace and evolution of MMA. The Strikeforce lightweight king is not one of those. After his losses to Josh Thomson and Mitsuhiro Ishida, Melendez has gone from strength to strength, avenging both defeats, while greatly improving his striking and becoming a much more intelligent fighter.
DESIRE
When talking about being a champion, Melendez says: “Even when I was nobody that was one of my goals... I’m gonna try be one of the best ever.” El Nino is an athlete who will never settle for second best. As far as he’s concerned, if he’s not number one then he may as well be nobody. Pure skill and athletic ability will only get you so far in this game. It’s his drive to be the best that has pushed him to the top of the pile.
Career Snapshot
2006
Continues his impressive undefeated streak, making his debuts in both the Strikeforce and Pride organizations. His four victories for the year include a split decision victory over Clay Guida, earning him the Strikeforce lightweight championship.
2007
After a victory at Strikeforce: Playboy Mansion, Melendez ends the year on a low, suffering the first loss of his career by way of decision to Mitsuhiro Ishida at Yarennoka: New Year’s Eve 2007 in Japan.
2008
Defends his lightweight title twice, winning his first defense against Gabe Lemley and losing it in June to Josh ‘The Punk’ Thomson.
2009
Avenges both losses on his record. TKO’s Ishida and earns a unanimous decision victory over Thomson, winning back the Strikeforce lightweight crown.
2010
Upsets world-ranked number-two lightweight and Japanese superstar Shinya Aoki. El Nino’s moment of glory is short lived when, after his friend Jake Shields successfully defends his title, a fight breaks out between the Cesar Gracie team and Jason Miller. All involved receive three-month suspensions.
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