Underdog Josh Thomson dominated all five rounds at last night's Strikeforce event. From the San Jose Mercury News report:
The action exploded early in the second round, as Thomson landed some brutal knees while taking some vicious overhand rights to the face from Melendez. Thomson continued a barrage of powerful strikes and knees to Melendez's body, while Melendez continued to fight with his hands.
Both fighters traded straight-forward punches and body strikes for the majority of the third round.
Thomson continued to keep Melendez at a distance with a variety of left- and right-footed strikes to the stomach and ribs early in the fourth. By that time, the damage had been done. Melendez never backed down, but was too far behind on points.
After the fight Thomson had praise for the former champ:
"Every interview I did before this, they asked me if Gilbert was going to be the toughest fight I ever had, and I told them I didn't think so," he said. "I take that [expletive] back. He's the toughest mother [expletive] I've ever fought."
And for anyone wondering, no Raymond Daniels isn't the second coming of Cung Le. And kickboxing ain't San shou kung fu:
Also on the undercard, Raymond Daniels made his heavily anticipated MMA debut following a pedigree that includes an 18-0 record over the past three years of Chuck Norris' World Combat League and a 16-0 record in pro kickboxing.
However, his slender physique was taken advantage of early and often by the strength of Jeremiah Metcalf (9-4). Metcalf worked Daniels over on the ground until forcing a choke-hold submission midway through the second round.
Full results at Sherdog. Watch the fight in the extended entry.
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
Round 4
Round 5
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