Strikeforce 40 signified the return of the MMA promotion to where it built its name. The four-fight main card promised fireworks and it did not disappoint. Let’s take a look at each fight, starting with a welterweight bout.
Nah-Shon Burrell vs. Chris Spang: Spang entered the bout with a 3-inch height advantage and used it to his advantage. He kept Burrell at a distance using the clinch and landed consecutive knees. Just a 1:35 into the opening round, Spang sent Burrell to the ground after countless strikes and ended the bout. It was Spang’s second win in Strikeforce and his first KO victory for the promotion.
Mike “MAK” Kyle vs. Rafael “Feijao” Cavalcante: In a rematch that was almost two years in the making, Rafael Cavalcante came out like a man with a mission. He dropped San Jose’s Kyle with a quick flurry of punches that dropped the light heavyweight with a thud. The onslaught didn’t stop there as Cavalcante sunk in a standing guillotine. Not even a minute in and Feijao exacted his revenge with a first-round submission victory. After the bout, Feijao stated he’d like the belt. Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker said in the post-fight presser that his likely opponent would be Gegard Mousasi, but Mousasi is currently recovering from an injury.
Lightweight Title fight – Gilbert Melendez vs. Josh Thomson: The battle between two of Northern California’s premier fighters also signified the end to a trilogy that has split the loyalty of fans in the area. Melendez, fighting of San Francisco, was a 6-1 favorite heading into the fight. Thomson, out of AKA in San Jose, has been questioned due to his injuries not his skill. This title fight promised to be a true battle between two great fighters.
These two men went at it for five full rounds and each was more intense than the last. The trilogy lived up to the hype as this became an instant classic. It absolutely rivals the Shogun vs. Hendo bout at UFC 139.
This fight was filled with superb stand-up, great wrestling and grappling. Each fight clearly won two rounds, but the third round was the swing round. And, the final judges scorecard showed that. Two judges had it 49-48 for Melendez and he retained his title via split decision.
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