Strikeforce Lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez is a widely talked-about commodity in the MMA community. From his dominance over a talent-depleted roster to his involvement in the infamous Nashville Brawl of 2010 to his relationship with gossip lightning rods Nick and Nate Diaz, Melendez is a name that has been on the tongue on MMA pundits for years.
Saturday night, Melendez returns to put his Strikeforce championship on the line for a sixth time against one of the only two men to previously defeat him, Josh “The Punk” Thomson. Although Melendez avenged the loss with a decision victory back in 2009, it appears that they have come full circle to clash for a rubber match.
Going into the contest, motivation and stagnation are issues that may plague the reigning champion. Here are four questions that we have for Gilbert Melendez.