Two titles were on the line at the final Strikeforce show of 2011, and both champions retained their titles with dominating performances.
Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez defended his title for the third time against Jorge Masvidal and won a unanimous decision over five rounds with the scores 50-45, 50-45 and 49-46.
Although the top-five lightweight couldn’t get the finish, he displayed impressive technique against one of the better stand-up fighters in the division.
In the co-main event, Strikeforce women’s featherweight champion Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos returned from 15 months away from the cage to stop Hiroko Yamanaka in just 16 seconds.
Yamanaka entered the fight having been undefeated in her last eight bouts. Many are anticipating a women’s super-fight with Santos and former Olympic Bronze Medalist Ronda Rousey.
Other fights included Gegard Mousasi and KJ Noons taking unanimous-decision victories over their opposition.
Mousasi defeated Ovince St. Preux to possibly set up a No. 1 light heavyweight contender’s bout versus Rafael Cavalcante.
Noons will likely fight Josh Thompson to determine the No. 1 contender in the lightweight division.
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