After axing two events, Strikeforce is in desperate need of a positive boost and hoped to have one in the works for January when the organization plans to return to the airwaves with a stacked lineup. Though not officially announced, the card has been associated with efforts from a number of champions including lightweight title-holder Gilbert Melendez.
However, according to Melendez?s manager (who also happens to be his father), the talented 30-year old is still healing up from a shoulder injury he suffered in September and may not be ready in time for a fight so soon.
?There’s no definite yes. It all depends if his body is healing on time as we anticipate,? said the elder Melendez of his son?s health in a conversation with MMAJunkie. ?We?ll know more in mid-November.?
“El Nino” Comments on Injury, Cancelled Card
Melendez?s health-related woe forced him to withdraw from a title-defense against Pat Healy that ultimately inspired Showtime/Strikeforce to scrap the show. Prior to the unfortunate situation, Melendez had won seven straight fights including title-defenses against Josh Thomson, Tatsuya Kawajiri, Jorge Masvidal, and Shinya Aoki.
PHOTO CREDIT – UFC
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