Strikeforce Shows Interest In Gilbert Melendez v. Eddie Alvarez
Just hours after officials from Bellator Fighting Championships distributed a press release campaigning for a fight between their lightweight champ, Eddie Alvarez, and Strikeforce lightweight title-holder Gilbert Melenedez, Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker said he’s open to co-promoting the champion-vs.-champion bout.
“If the stars align and we can work out all the terms and conditions and timing, we’d do it,” Coker told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com). “Of course we would. Why wouldn’t we? Let’s go do this.”
Currently Alvarez is the #5 lightweight in the world while Melendez is sitting at #3 on the strength of his recent win over then #2 Shinya Aoki. This is far and away the most relevant fight that can be made in any division outside of Zuffa promotions (UFC or WEC).
Alvarez possesses solid offensive boxing, especially power punching, but does have defensive liabilities. He also has a very powerful top game as displayed in his brutal dismantling of Josh Neer at Bellator. Melendez has solid striking and a very good submission game to go along with it. The combination of the two fighters’ skill sets makes it such an appealing fight.
The real question becomes if the fight can be made will it be made to take place at a Strikeforce event or a Bellator show.
