Josh Thomson vs. Shinya Aoki could be up next in Strikeforce

A previously rumored bout that was originally intended for the DREAM promotion may be coming under the Strikeforce banner after all.

Josh Thomson, the former Strikeforce lightweight champion, was previously rumored to be facing current DREAM lightweight titleholder Shinya Aoki at last year’s year-end extravaganza dubbed “Dynamite!! 2010″. However Aoki ultimately fought in an exhibition bout with K-1 fighter “Jienotsu” Nagashima, losing by knockout in the second-round of their mixed rules match.

Thomson inevitably faced off against perennial top contender Tatsuya Kawajiri that night, losing a dominating decision to “The Crusher”. Now, both Aoki and Thomson could face off in a pivotal 155-pound match-up targeted for Japan.

MiddleEasy.com has included the rumored lightweight fight in their special “Sunday Rumor Mill” edition this past weekend, which could set up a potential rematch for either man with current Strikeforce lightweight titleholder Gilbert Melendez in the foreseeable future, should either man record an impressive victory in their next outing.

Thomson has tangled with “El Nino” twice before. Initially dominating Melendez who turned in an uninspired performance against “The Punk” some years ago. However the Cesar Gracie protege stormed back in December of 2009, dominating the American Kickboxing Academy star in a five-round war that charted several “Fight of the Year” lists.

Aoki is all too familiar with Melendez as well. In his lone appearance under the San Jose based promotion, as well as in the United States, the submission specialist was thwarted at every attempt to bring the fight to the ground against Melendez in their initial meeting in April of last year. Gilbert took home an easy decision win over the Japanese star, dominating every round on the judges score cards.

Both men bounced back from the loss to Melendez with consecutive wins in their respective organization’s before suffering their recent setbacks. So, MMA peeps, what do you think of the potential match-up? How do you see the fight going? Sound off in the comment section below.