"I thought Gilbert came out and showed everyone that he is an elite fighter in the lightweight division. His power was evident and it showed when he landed that right hand on Damm's chin. There's no question, if I had been healthy it would have been a very difficult fight for me. Melendez is always in great shape, but I saw something in his eyes this fight, that made me think he was on another level. As soon as I get healthy, I'll be ready to give him the rematch he deserves."

-- Josh Thomson speaks on last weekend's Gilbert Melendez/Rodrigo Damm interim title bout in a press release