Gilbert “El Nino” Melendez (15-2) vs. Mitsuhiro Ishida (18-5-1) – Lightweight Interim Championship Bout
In the first of an absurd three title matches scheduled for this event, talented wrestler and striker Gilbert “El Nino” Melendez will look to avenge one of his two career losses when he once again meets Mitsuhiro “Endless Fighter” Ishida, this time for Strikeforce’s Internim Lightweight Title.
In their last meeting, Ishida controlled the pace of the fight and earned a unanimous decision win. Melendez is coming off of a dominant win over Rodrigo Damm in his last fight, though, while Ishida is coming off a disappointing loss in Shooto, so this is anyone’s fight.
Ishida is the definition of a veteran. With 24 fights under his belt and experience in Shooto, PRIDE, Dream, and Strikeforce, Ishida has seen and done it all in this sport. While he has frequently been criticized for the fact that his fights aren’t always entertaining and that he is known for going the distance, no one can deny that he knows how to win a fight. It might not always be highlight reel material, but Ishida has shown that he has what it takes to end a fight with his hand raised.
Despite losing the first fight, Gilbert Melendez has the tools necessary to be crowned interim champion. A technically proficient Muay Thai fighter with powerful and explosive wrestling and good ground and pound, Melendez is a force to be reckoned with. Although he is only 2-2 in his last four fights, his two losses were to top-notch fighters and he looked dominant in his wins. The key for Melendez in this fight is to maintain his aggression throughout. Ishida is a wily fighter, and unless Melendez uses his superior strength and athleticism to control this fight, he will wind up taking a loss.
Obviously this is going to be a competitive fight, but I think Melendez will even up the record at 1-1. Ishida has a more impressive record and a win over Melendez, but Melendez is the physically superior fighter. I think Melendez will do some damage standing, and mix in takedowns and ground and pound.
The likelihood of Ishida being finished is low, but as long as Melendez stays aggressive and presses the issue, he should be able to wrap up the unanimous decision.
