Current Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez is on one of the most impressive runs in MMA.
Melendez has won six fights in a row and brought his career record to 20-2. Both of his losses have come by decision.
On May 19, Melendez will defend his belt once again against Josh Thomson at Strikeforce 40. Melendez and Thomson have fought twice before, with each winning once via unanimous decision.
How important is it for Melendez to win this fight?
A win over Thomson would do three things for Melendez.
He would secure the deciding win in the trilogy, maintain the championship and create further buzz as to when he will finally fight in the UFC.
Does winning actually put Melendez anywhere closer to the Octagon? He's been winning and defending his belt for three years now.
Perhaps losing the fight would be the best thing that could happen to his career.
I'm not suggesting the notion that Melendez throw the fight. Nobody with integrity would do such a thing, and "El Niño" certainly has integrity.
However, think about it for a second, and it's really not that crazy of an idea.
If he lost the fight, Dana White would no doubt see the window for getting Gilbert into the UFC closing. His popularity would immediately take a hit and he would need to be brought into the UFC sooner rather than later.
The reason Melendez would have to be brought into the UFC shortly after a loss is due to the risk of him losing consecutive fights.
Should Gilbert lose back-to-back fights under the Strikeforce promotion, there would be little support from fans to bring him over to the UFC.
Dana understands the importance of timing when he brings fighters into the UFC. The support for Melendez joining the UFC roster will never be greater than it is today. Ironically, the one thing that can force Dana's hand into getting him there now will be a loss.
Regardless of contract stipulations with Strikeforce, there are ways around them to place Melendez in the UFC today. He will either continue to win and carry the brand on his back, or he will lose and force Dana's hand to add him to the UFC.
Sometimes you win by losing.
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