In the weeks leading up to his Saturday night matchup with Japanese
superstar Tatsuya Kawajiri, Strikeforce lightweight champ Gilbert Melendez made bold
claims about his status in the ranks of the world’s best 155-pounders.
Following a scintillating victory over “Crusher” in the co-main event of
“Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley,” Melendez isn’t backing down.
“I know I’m not the UFC champion, but I’ve been around this sport a lot
longer than Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard,” Melendez said. “If you look
at the past and what I’ve accomplished, I’ve accomplished more.”