Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal Means Something Now

Gilbert Melendez (19-2, 9-1 SF) vs. Jorge Masvidal (22-6, 3-0 SF)
Melendez was one of the final fighters everyone was expecting to cross over to the UFC. Now, apparently he is staying. Melendez has apparently agreed to be the big fish in the little Strikeforce pond. Perhaps that’s smart when you look at the ridiculously deep lightweight division in the UFC. Either way, he’s positioned himself to be the king of Strikeforce. He’s won 5 straight and in those 5, he’s avenged his only two career losses. His biggest problem in Strikeforce will be finding worthy opponents. Masvidal might be that having fought at heavier weight lasses over the last couple years.

Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos (10-1, 4-0 SF) vs. Hiroko Yamanaka (12-1, SF Debut)
Do my eyes deceive me? Is Cyborg actually fighting? It’s been nearly 18 months since we last saw the baddest woman on the planet. Presumably, Yamanaka is a bloody mess by the time Cyborg is pulled off her. Then, maybe Cyborg gets to fight again sooner rather than later. We’ve been told with Zuffa’s is now committed to Strikeforce and WMMA.

Gegard Mousasi (31-3-2, 2-1-1 SF) vs. Ovince St. Preux (11-4, 5-0 SF)
Gegard Mousasi lost a decision to King Mo and went to a draw with Keith Jardine. The man has the capacity to bore. OSP is coming off an exciting win, but before that it was Decision City. Hopefully, the knockout power of both guys comes out tonight.

Billy Evangelista (11-1, 1nc, 7-1, 1nc SF) vs. K.J. Noons (10-4, 3-2 SF)
Evangelista is a jiu-jitsu and muay thai guy who hasn’t finished an opponent since 2008. Noons has dropped two straight, but I think he can use his boxing to beat Evangelista.

PRELIMINARY CARD
Roger Bowling vs. Jerron Peoples
Caros Fodor vs. Justin Wilcox
Devin Cole vs. Gabriel Salinas-Jones
Fernando Gonzalez vs. Eddie Mendez
Chris Brown vs. Herman Terrado