Best fights of Gilbert Melendez
Over 17 years as a professional, Gilbert Melendez has compiled a 22-8 (12) record, including 13 title fights across two weight classes. Here are his top 10 best fights.
1. Gilbert Melendez KOs Tatsuya Kawajiri in their 2nd fight
On April 9, 2011 Gilbert Melendez defended his Strikeforce lightweight title against Tatsuya Kawajiri. It was their second meeting. Melendez was 28 years old with a record of 18-2, and Kawajiri was 32 with a record of 27-6-2. Melendez was on a 4-fight winning streak and Kawajiri was coming off a win. Melendez stopped Tatsuya Kawajiri via TKO in the 1st round. Defended the title.
2. Gilbert Melendez defeats Shinya Aoki
On April 17, 2010 Gilbert Melendez defended his Strikeforce lightweight title against Shinya Aoki. Melendez was 28 years old with a record of 17-2, and Aoki was 26 with a record of 23-4. Both Melendez and Aoki were on a 3-fight winning streak. Melendez won via unanimous decision. Defended the title.
3. Gilbert Melendez defeats Josh Thomson in their 2nd fight
On December 19, 2009 Gilbert Melendez fought Josh Thomson for the Strikeforce lightweight title. It was their second meeting. Melendez was 27 years old with a record of 16-2, and Thomson was 31 with a record of 16-2. Melendez was on a 2-fight winning streak and Thomson was on a 8-fight winning streak. Melendez won via unanimous decision. Crowned the new lightweight champion.
4. Gilbert Melendez defeats Jorge Masvidal
On December 17, 2011 Gilbert Melendez defended his Strikeforce lightweight title against Jorge Masvidal. Melendez was 29 years old with a record of 19-2, and Masvidal was 27 with a record of 22-6. Melendez was on a 5-fight winning streak and Masvidal was on a 2-fight winning streak. Melendez won via unanimous decision. Defended the title.
5. Gilbert Melendez defeats Diego Sanchez
On October 19, 2013 Gilbert Melendez faced Diego Sanchez in a lightweight bout. Melendez was 31 years old with a record of 21-3, and Sanchez was 31 with a record of 24-5. Melendez was coming off a loss, while Sanchez was coming off a win. Melendez won via unanimous decision.
6. Gilbert Melendez defeats Josh Thomson in their 3rd fight
On May 19, 2012 Gilbert Melendez defended his Strikeforce lightweight title against Josh Thomson. It was their third meeting. Melendez was 30 years old with a record of 20-2, and Thomson was 33 with a record of 19-4. Melendez was on a 6-fight winning streak and Thomson was coming off a win. Melendez won via split decision. Defended the title.
7. Gilbert Melendez defeats Tatsuya Kawajiri
On December 31, 2006 Gilbert Melendez faced Tatsuya Kawajiri in a lightweight bout. Melendez was 24 years old with a record of 11-0, and Kawajiri was 28 with a record of 19-3-2. Melendez was on an undefeated 11-fight winning streak and Kawajiri was on a 4-fight winning streak. Melendez won via unanimous decision.
8. Gilbert Melendez defeats Clay Guida
On June 9, 2006 Gilbert Melendez fought Clay Guida for the Strikeforce lightweight title. Melendez was 24 years old with a record of 9-0, and Guida was 24 with a record of 19-4. Melendez was on an undefeated 9-fight winning streak and Guida was coming off a win. Melendez won via split decision. Crowned the new lightweight champion.
9. Gilbert Melendez loses to Benson Henderson via split decision
On April 20, 2013 Gilbert Melendez fought Benson Henderson for the UFC lightweight title. Melendez was 31 years old with a record of 21-2, and Henderson was 29 with a record of 18-2. Melendez was on a 7-fight winning streak and Henderson was on a 6-fight winning streak. Melendez lost via split decision. Failed to capture the title. Went the distance with Henderson.
10. Gilbert Melendez KOs Gabe Lemley
On March 29, 2008 Gilbert Melendez defended his Strikeforce lightweight title against Gabe Lemley. Melendez was 25 years old with a record of 13-1, and Lemley was 0 with a record of 0-0. Melendez was coming off a loss. Melendez stopped Gabe Lemley via TKO in the 2nd round. Defended the title.