The Gilbert Melendez and Josh Thomson rivalry has officially come to an end.
After being awarded a controversial split decision, Melendez quickly shut down the idea of a fourth fight with his longtime nemesis in an interview with Showtime Sports.
“No. I won the trilogy. This was supposed to be the end of it, like, let’s settle this. Didn’t we hear this over? ‘Let’s settle this once and for all.’ I think it was settled once and for all, but if you guys want to pay me triple or double, we’ll talk.”
For the first time in a long time, Melendez found himself in a fight at Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Cormier. The reigning lightweight champion was busted up on the feet and even taken down a few times by a game Thomson, who came into the bout as a major underdog.
When the verdict was announced and Melendez was declared the winner, an eruption of boos echoed throughout the entire arena in disagreement with the decision.
Despite being on the wrong end of the decision, Thomson was overly respectful after the fight and even asked fans not to boo Melendez. He did admit that he would be interested in a fourth bout if Strikeforce gives him an opportunity.
Unfortunately, the feeling isn’t mutual for “El Nino.”
If his interview with Showtime Sports wasn’t a convincing enough answer, Melendez’s actions at the post-fight press conference should be the final nail in the coffin.
USA Today posted updates of the incident on Twitter.
“Reporter asks Scott [Coker] if there’ll be a fourth fight. Gilbert: “Let me answer that: No.” and laughs.”
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