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**Rauno** · 03-12-2012, 05:08 PM

Quote:

trikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez (20-2 MMA, 10-1 SF) will fight at the organization's recently announced May 19 event.

Against whom? That's a good question.

However, one of Melendez's coaches, Cesar Gracie, has two suggestions: current UFC fighters B.J. Penn or Anthony Pettis.

However, multiple sources told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) no opponent has been determined as of yet. Additionally, the champ's manager, Gil Melendez Sr., declined comment. But today on Twitter, Gracie stated, "I hope (it's) Penn or Pettis."

UFC president Dana White recently opened the door for the possibility of current UFC fighters moving to their sister promotion, but as of now, no major names have joined Strikeforce. Pettis recently saw a planned title fight with new champ Benson Henderson instead given to Frankie Edgar, and Penn hinted at retirement following a welterweight loss to Nick Diaz in October that moved him to 1-3-1 in his past five fights.

Additionally, there are some deserving contenders already under Strikeforce contract. For example, Josh Thomson recently defeated K.J. Noons in what many believed was a No. 1 contender's fight, and Pat Healy has moved into contention with four consecutive Strikeforce wins. However, Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker wouldn't confirm after the fighters' March 3 wins that either is next in line for a shot at Melendez's belt.

As MMAjunkie.com recently reported, the May 19 Strikeforce event is likely to take place at HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Melendez's title fight would be part of the Showtime-televised main card that also includes the Daniel Cormier vs. Josh Barnett heavyweight-grand-prix finale.

Melendez, who's one of the top fighters not currently fighting in the UFC, made his third consecutive title defense with a unanimous-decision victory over Jorge Masvidal in December. He's now 7-1 in his past eight fights. The lone loss came in a 2008 title fight with Thomson, though Melendez avenged the defeat a year later as part of his current six-fight win streak.

MMAJunkie

I really hope they let Penn go over there to challenge Melendez, i'm sure he'd take such a huge fight. Wouldn't make much sense to bring in Pettis just to take him back to the UFC eventually.

**St.Paul Guy** · 03-13-2012, 12:38 AM

I don't think Penn would have too much interest unfortunately.

And I think every UFC contender is going to avoid going to strikeforce at all costs. It's basically career purgatory at this point; even if you manage to be the champ.

**Rauno** · 03-13-2012, 05:35 AM

Pettis confirmed that the rumors are completely false and he is concentrating on his UFC career. Rightfully so imo.

**Canadian Psycho** · 03-13-2012, 11:17 AM

I'm assuming it'll be another bout with Thompson. I doubt very much that we'll ever see UFC contenders 'move down' to SF. And let's be honest, it would certainly seem like a demotion to anyone vying for a UFC title. Not to knock SF, which I often watch, but it certainly seems like a 'feeder organization' to the UFC as of late.

Penn would be an interesting match-up, though as was said, I don't see him taking it. I think he was serious when he called it quits.

cdtcpl · 03-13-2012, 11:29 AM

Who would willingly do this other than someone about to get cut?

Maybe Kenflo just to get a belt?

**xxpillowxxjp** · 03-13-2012, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdtcpl

Maybe Kenflo just to get a belt?

HAH, that would be hilarious if he actually did..

**TheLyotoLegion** · 03-13-2012, 12:43 PM

Pretty sure BJ's retired, don't know why people keep bringing his name up, the guy can only go for a round these days anyway. He's done.

Pettis should take it though, he'd gain a lot from beating the best Lightweight in the world, not that thief holding the UFC belt.