Rodrigo Damm Replaces Josh Thomson, Faces Gilbert Melendez at Strikeforce on Saturday
by Scott Haber on Apr 7, 2009 1:14 AM EDT
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Promoted from the FanPosts by Kid Nate.
A highly anticipated rematch for Strikeforce's lightweight title between current champion Josh Thomson and former champ Gilbert Melendez, was momentarily stalled when news broke last week of a injury to Thomson, forcing him to drop out of the bout.
Since then, and particularly over the last two days, rumors have been swirling about Strikeforce's search for a replacement to take on Melendez this Saturday at their Shamrock vs. Diaz card. Japanese standout Mitsuhiro Ishida, and Lyle Beerbohm were both mentioned as possible opponents today, but Ariel Shnerer at Fight Network is now reporting that Brazilian grappler Rodrigo Damm will be the one stepping in to face Melendez on Saturday:
Stepping in for the injured Strikeforce lightweight champion Josh Thomson, "Alliance Jiu-Jitsu" standout Rodrigo Damm (8-2) will take on Gilbert "El Nino" Melendez (14-2) at "Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Diaz" on April 11 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.
The Fight Network learned of the replacement matchup on Monday afternoon.
Damm is a BJJ black belt, and has competed most notably for Bodog and and Sengoku. A submission loss to Eiji Mitsuoka at Sengoku 4 last August was Damm's most recent fight and his first loss in over four years. Prior to that, Damm KO'd standout American Top Team striker Jorge Masvidal at Sengoku 3, and also holds notable victories over Kultar Gill, Santino DeFranco, and Johil DeOliveira. Damm is a student of Fabio Gurgel, and trains in Brazil with his sister Carina, who is also a respected MMA fighter herself, with a 9-3 record.
The FanPosts are solely the subjective opinions of Bloody Elbow readers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Bloody Elbow editors or staff.
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Moved the pic for you… also Carina is his sister, not his wife :-)
(And while it’s not factually incorrect, he didn’t KO Masvidal in my opinion.)
Stoked for this show, Damm is a great last minute replacement. I imagine he’ll stand and bang it out if Gilbert wants to.
I like this fight much more than the Thompson title bout. Good stuff.
"I see him beating Anderson Silva. I see him picking him apart. Him at a 131 years old...(trails off)." - Tito on Belfort at Affliction:DOR
every thread needs stuff like this right? :)
by Anton Tabuena on Apr 6, 2009 10:27 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
thats good but you'll never beat me in a cute animal contest! mwahhaha.
(okay that’s the last for this thread.. they might delete it if there’s too much pics haha..)
by Anton Tabuena on Apr 6, 2009 10:42 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m almost impressed with how you’ve managed to bring everything that’s wrong with messageboards over to BE.
well i never brought anything from other messageboards because i don't post on anything except for BE..
and i know it’s a bit inappropriate but i think its just harmless fun on fanposts.. and what have you contributed in BE that makes you so great?
that booya quote?
by Anton Tabuena on Apr 7, 2009 1:01 AM EDT up reply actions
Solid fight
This is actually a decent matchup, although Melendez will be heavily favored
Editor-in-chief of MMA-Analyst.com
When I read this article, the whole way through I was wracking my brain, trying to figure out why his name sounded so familiar when I’ve only ever seen him fight a couple of times…
Then i got to the part at the end about his sister. She got busted for roids, didn’t she? Just goes to show, that sort of thing gets attached to a name and it sticks around.
"I'm AJB and I endorse this nut-puncher."
Indeed she did. Her suspension actually ended last week.
by Chris Nelson on Apr 7, 2009 12:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Was she lined up with EliteXC before? She could be a good fit in the new Strikeforce roster.
"I see him beating Anderson Silva. I see him picking him apart. Him at a 131 years old...(trails off)." - Tito on Belfort at Affliction:DOR
by Rundownloser on Apr 7, 2009 12:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Yes, she is.
She was signed with EliteXC, and she could fight for Strikeforce if they picked up her contract.
by MMASuPreMaCy on Apr 7, 2009 12:27 AM EDT up reply actions
Damm Good Matchup!
Damm impressed everyone by stopping Masdival since he is mostly known for his great ground game. I see problems for Melendez as Damm can very well win this fight.
Once again, awesome last second matchup and it really rounds out the April 11th event. I actually like the winner of this matchup to face Ishida or JT more than the Gil vs JT matchup that was previously announced. Sometimes, injuries are a GOOD thing. =)
i am impressed with scott coker
this is a great last minute replacement! coker just refuses to go the kalib starnes, jason guida route and i appreciate that…
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