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. ...

That question is posed honestly and not cynically, by the way. It’s recently been confirmed that Strikeforce Lightweight Champion Gilbert Melendez has extended his contract with the promotion, to the point where he should be calling Strikeforce home for the next several years. But what’s left for him to do? I think it’s a valid point to state that the UFC has the better Lightweight division, but even so, I think Melendez has some interesting bouts ahead of him in Strikeforce. So, in order to flesh out why I think Melendez made the right decision, here’s a “Top 5” list of five things “El Nino” has left to do in Strikeforce, in no particular order. ...

Japanese fans were treated to a bit of a second Christmas today, as the traditional MMA/K-1 New Year’ Eve super-show “DYNAMITE!!” continued to prove why it’s seen as the be-all and end-all in Japanese MMA year after year. No less than Alistair Overeem, Shinya Aoki, Gegard Mousasi, and Kazushi Sakuraba all competed at the event, with some coming out of the event much better than others. And to continue a tradition of my own, here’s the latest edition of “What’s Next”, featuring DREAM/K-1’s “DYNAMITE!! 2010”. ...

Once regarded as the world's consensus top-3 lightweight fighters in the world, Gesias Cavalcante is looking for some redemption. The former K-1 Hero's champion was last seen in action on the losing side of a controversial decision loss to Josh Thomson under the Strikeforce banner last October. During the three round affair, "JZ" appeared to have walked away with a clear cut win following the bouts conclusion, having dropped Thomson early with a right hook, and in the final frame controlling all of the action on the ground. However, in the end Josh took him the decision win in his own backyard of San Jose, Cali. ...

Former Strikeforce lightweight champion Josh Thomson has seen the ups and downs of his career. Now, on the cusp of another crack at the title he lost against rival Gilbert Melendez since going two-straight inside the Strikeforce cage, Thomson will risk it all on a whim when he faces perennial top-10 fighter Tatsuya Kawajiri. Though the fight is a big one in of itself, Kawajiri was not originally in the cards for Thomson, as Josh's original opponent Shinya Aoki was pulled from the match for a more popular fight with K-1 kickboxer, Yuichiro "Jienotsu" Nagashima in a special-rules match up at this year's Dynamite!! show. ...

Former Strikeforce Lightweight Champion Josh Thomson has a lot going for him these days. He remains one of Strikeforce’s biggest lighter-weight stars, he’s won his last two fights, and he seems poised to take part in a third and final encounter with Gilbert Melendez, with the first two fights widely regarded as Fight of the Year contenders. However, Thomson recently put his foot in his mouth to such a degree that it’s probably in his lower intestine by now. When asked for his thoughts on the pending merger between the UFC and the WEC, Thomson lashed out at the WEC and its roster of Lightweight talent. ...

After a disappointing and somewhat controversial return state side, former DREAM lightweight contender "JZ" Cavalcante will be returning to action in the beginning of 2011 in order to reclaim the top spot in the 155-pound division. Once recognized as a top-3 lightweight in the world, the American Top Team product has fallen on hard times as of late, losing 3 of his last 4 bouts to division notables Shinya Aoki, Tatsuya Kawajiri and most recently Josh Thomson (respectively). In the bout with Thomson, a former strikeforce lightweight champion, it was the general feeling that after the three rounds of action between the two competitors that Gesias was the clear winner on the score cards, having dominated the final round by keeping "The Punk" on his back all throughout the round and dropping him in the first frame followed by a long and tight guillotine choke. In the end, the San Jose based fighter who fought before a hometown crowd was declared the winner by unanimous decision. ...

It was one of the best fights from the recent Strikeforce: “Diaz vs. Noons 2” event, yet it was by far the most controversial. In a key lightweight showdown, former Strikeforce Lightweight Champion Josh Thomson beat out feared international talent “JZ” Gesias Cavalcante in a fight that many felt should have gone in Cavalcante’s favor. In a recent interview, JZ Cavalcante reiterated that he felt he won the fight and that he’s eager for a rematch. ...

strikeforce and DREAM lightweight fighter, "JZ" Cavalcante was unsuccessful in his return to the United States, after four years away, competing mostly overseas in the land of the rising sun. Though a strong showing, nonetheless, the American Top Team product was bested by former Strikeforce lightweight champion Josh Thomson, though the bout wasn't without controversy. After a strong first round, where both fighters had their moments, it looked like "JZ" had picked up the momentum as he was able to knockdown the San Jose fighter with a thunderous right hook, following up with a tight guillotine choke, though there wasn't anything behind the submission hold. After a second round taken by Thomson, the Brazilian came back in the third, mounting Josh, working in ground-and-pound before closing out the round, which had "The Punk" on his back for the entire round. In the end though, Josh was declared the winner. While "JZ" might by irked by the loss nonetheless, he will still be able to find some solace in knowing there will not be any financial issues in part with Strikeforce, though he can't say the same for the Japanese based organization, DREAM. ...

After an exciting night of fights at the HP Pavillion last Saturday Night under the strikeforce banner, most competitors on the main card of the evening left very banged up, needless to say, especially KJ Noons. In an attempt to vie for the welterweight title against rival and current Strikeforce 170-pound champion Nick Diaz, which saw the two fighters go at it in a five-round stand up affair, KJ left the more battered and bruised of the two to competitors. ...

strikeforce, last Saturday night, but together yet another stellar card in 2010. October 9 saw welterweight champion Nick Diaz successfully defend his title for the first time against rival KJ Noons, earning a bit of revenge in the process. The two fighters met 3 years ago under the now defunct Elite XC banner, where Noons was declared the winner after cutting Nick with several telling blows, which eventually lead to a Doctors stoppage after the end of the first round. However, the second time around, Diaz was able to outbox the professional boxer, en route to a unanimous decision victory after a hard-fought five round affair. ...

Last night was a great night of fights, which has become a trend for the famed strikeforce brand, especially when welterweight champion Nick Diaz delivers and you throw in "The Punk" on the card, in front of fan friendly, San Jose crowd. Josh Thomson, the former Strikeforce lightweight champion whom lost his title in a title unification bout (and rematch) with Gilbert Melendez, was hoping to garner his second consecutive victory when he met with the world-ranked "JZ" Cavalcante in the co-main event of last night's great night of fights. Proving to be a formidable force in the ring, the American Top Team product in "JZ" displayed his strength, proficient grappling skills, and his heavy handed ground-and-pound. However, it wasn't enough to earn him the judges nod, and Thomson took the fight all across the board. Thomson may have walked out the "winner", but it looks like Josh and only three other people (the judges) think he actually won the fight. ...

Hello once more fans and friends and welcome to another edition of “What’s Next?” Today’s piece centers on Strikeforce: “Diaz vs. Noons 2”. The event saw some good fights, a few questionable flubs on the part of the refereeing and judging staff, and several noteworthy moments. In the main event, Strikeforce Welterweight Champion Nick Diaz evened out the score to his incredibly bitter rivalry with KJ Noons. But where does this huge win leave Diaz, and for that matter, where does everyone go from here? Here’s what I think the future holds for some of the big winners and losers of Strikeforce: “Diaz vs. Noons 2”. ...

Another one went into the history books tonight, as Strikeforce’s “Diaz vs. Noons 2” event is now a thing of the past. The event itself didn’t go off without a hitch: there were several referee errors and another brain-dead judge pick in a seemingly infinite list of recent brain-dead judge picks. But several things shone bright tonight: Marloes Coenen proved me wrong in a huge way, Nick Thompson and “JZ” Cavalcante gave us an epic showdown, and in the main event, Nick Diaz beat the last man to ever beat him in what may be considered one of the most important moments of his career. Here are all the results as well as my reaction to Strikeforce: “Diaz vs. Noons 2”. ...

While the weigh-in ceremonies went swimmingly, more or less, for the big show, "Strikeforce: Diaz vs Noons II", which is taking place tomorrow night in San Jose, Calif., at the HP Pavilion before a sold out crowd. Everyone, with the exception of Justin Willis (271--heavyweight match; 265 limit with an added one pound allowance) and Jonathon Del Rosario (156.5--lightweight match; 155 limit with an added one pound allowance), were registered within their weight classes, and were fit to fight come Saturday Night. However, in two title fights adorning the card, being the headliner Nick Diaz, who will attempt to defend his title for the first time against the last man to defeat him nearly 3 years ago in KJ Noons, a bout between to lightweights, with no title on the line, is taking precedence over the women's welterweight title fight between Marloes Coenen and champ Sarah Kaufman...why? ...

A match up that has been talked about for years is finally being put to work. Former Strikeforce lightweight champion Josh Thomson, who has been on the mend since a loss to current champion and friend Gilbert Melendez, returned in top form against Pat Healy in Strikeforce: Fedor vs Werdum, last June. After the competitors exchanged rounds one and two, Thomson was able to put away the tough-as-nails Healy with a third round rear naked choke, marking his first win since the loss to Melendez. Thomson is expected to face one of the very best fighter's that Japan has to offer--and he's Brazilian. ...

Lately it seems that ufc Lightweight Gray Maynard has had a noticeable (and some would say rightly justified) chip on his shoulder. Maynard was passed over in favor of the man he beat, Frank Edgar, for a shot at then-champion BJ Penn. Of course, Edgar would go on to make the most out of that opportunity and beat Penn not once but twice, first at UFC 112 via a close, hotly contested Unanimous Decision win, and then again at the recent UFC 118 event via a dominating Unanimous Decision win. Maynard has also been the subject of recent criticism for not finishing any of his fights, with his last stoppage occurring almost three full years ago. But in his latest interview, Gray Maynard has fired back and poised an interesting question: who really finishes fights at Lightweight anyway? ...

Former top UFC lightweight contender Yves Edwards, is finally back with the UFC...it's about time. While most would indicate that Edwards is either past his prime, or not caught up with the present botch of talent that exists in the lightweight ranks nowadays, Edwards is exciting and an old-school commodity. ...

Two of the most talked about fighters in the lightweight division will meet inside the cage in April in a Strikeforce versus Dream title fight. Fighters.com second-ranked lightweight and Dream champion "Tobikan Judan" Shinya Aoki (19-4) will face off against Strikeforce lightweight champion "El Nino" Gilbert Melendez (17-2). ...

“El Niño” Gilbert Melendez (17-2) regained the Strikeforce lightweight championship in a five-round decision over “Punk” Josh Thomson (15-3-1) in San Jose Saturday night. "I just wanted to perform better than I did the last time," said Melendez said after the victory. ...

UFC lightweight “El Matador” Roger Huerta (20-3-1) told Sherdog Tuesday that he is officially a free agent and would consider signing to fight in the UFC, Strikeforce, and Bellator Fighting Championships. ...

"Endless Fighter" Mitsuhiro Ishida (19-4-1) will fill-in for Strikeforce lightweight champ "Punk" Josh Thomson (15-2-1) in San Jose 15 August, giving "El Niño" Gilbert Melendez (15-2) a crack at avenging a different loss than he had originally planned. Ishida took Gil' the distance for a UD at Yarennoka in Tokyo on New Year's Eve 2007.

Strikeforce has confirmed the full line-up for its Destruction event, which takes place 21 November in San Jose. Two title fights, between Strikeforce Lightweight Champion “The Punk” Josh Thomson (14-2-1) and Yves Edwards (34-14-1) and between Light Heavyweight Champion Bobby Southworth (9-4) and “Babalu” Renato Sobral (29-8), will headline the event. Also featured is a welterweight bout between “Diesel” Joe Riggs (28-10) and Luke Stewart (4-1). The rest of the card includes: Lemont Davis (1-2) versus Brian Schwartz (0-1) at 175 lbs Brad Royster (1-1) versus Darren Uyenoyama (4-1) at 135 lbs Tony Johnson (0-1) versus Eric Lawson (2-2) at 185 lbs Alvin Cacdac (3-4) versus Jose Palacios (1-1) at  145 lbs Bobby Stack (2-1) versus Cyrillo Padilha (1-1) at 155 lbs Zakary Bucia (0-1) versus Jaime Rodriguez (0-0) at 155 lbs Kurt Osiander (2-0) versus Raul Castillo (2-0) at 185 lbs Nik Theotikos (5-0) versus Luke Rockhold (2-1) at 185 lbs ...

Strikeforce Lightweight Champion "Punk" Josh Thomson (16-2) will defend his title in a rematch versus Yves Edwards (34-14-1) in San Jose 21 November. Edwards knocked out Thomson in the first round at UFC 49 in Las Vegas in August 2004. "This rematch is about winning back something that I let slip through my fingers last  time," Thomson explained.  "It was a  fluke, but that’s part of the fight game – anyone can get caught.  I blame my error last time on my cockiness.  This time, I’ve got to stamp my mark on it." Thomson had been seeking a big name lightweight for his first title defense and Fighters.com first reported 10 October that "Uno Shoten" Caol Uno (25-11-4) and Chris Horodecki (12-1) were being sought by Strikeforce. ...

Chris Horodecki (12-1) will face Dan Lauzon (10-2) at Affliction’s January event, and will not fight “Punk” Josh Thomson (16-2) at Strikeforce next month, according to MMA Weekly Saturday. Horodecki’s management team confirmed the lightweight bout with Lauzon, who was his original opponent for Day of Reckoning on 11 October before the event was postponed. Strikeforce executive Mike Afromowitz confirmed that Horodecki will not be on the Destruction card on 21 November. Horodecki said, “I’d like to fight Thomson, but now I’m thinking about November and Affliction.” Horodecki is also considering a November fight in Japan’s Shoot Boxing organization. ...

Fighters.com has confirmed with sources that Strikeforce is in negotiations with both Affliction and K-1 to find lightweight champion "Punk" Josh Thomson's (16-2) first title defense in San Jose 21 November. According to Fighters.com's source, Strikeforce has narrowed their list of opponents to up-and-coming Chris Horodecki (12-1) and veteran "Uno Shoten" Caol Uno (25-11-4). Twenty-one-year old Horodecki won a UD over Nate Lamotte (6-3) in East Rutherford, west of New York City, 4 April, then signed with Affliction and agreed to fight on Affliction's 11 October event before it was rescheduled. A veteran of Shooto, UFC, K-1 Hero's, and DREAM, Uno lost a UD to Fighters.com's ninth-ranked lightweight "Tobikan Judan" Shinya Aoki (18-3) in the semi-finals of DREAM's Lightweight Grand Prix in Osaka 21 July. ...

Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion Bobby Southworth (9-5) will defend his belt from "Babalu" Renato Sobral (30-7) in San Jose 21 November. Strikeforce Lightweight Champion "Punk" Josh Thomson (16-2) will also defend his title versus an opponent yet to be named. Before his last "W" over "Archer" Ashe Bowman (9-5) in Beverly Hills, north of Los Angeles, 20 September, Thomson expressed interest in fighting "Endless Fighter" Mitsuhiro Ishida (17-4-1).  After the fight, Thomson also hoped to defend his title from Fighters.com's fourth-ranked lightweight and DREAM champ "Hellboy" Joachim Hansen (19-7-1). After knocking off former Strikeforce champ "El Nino" Gilbert Melendez (14-2) in San Jose 27 June, Thomson has been desperate for an opponent who'd help him crack the top ten. Southworth versus "Babalu" was originally scheduled for the 20 September card at the Playboy Mansion, but both fighters pulled up lame and spent the night chasing bunnies into the grotto (I assume). ...

Fighters.com checked-in with "GameBred" Jorge Masvidal (14-3) after he quickly dispatched former IFL Lightweight Champion "Lion" Ryan Schultz (20-11-1) in Tokyo Sunday. Fighters.com: You took care of Schultz in under two minutes.  How much of that was blowing off steam from the loss to Rodrigo Damm (8-2) in Saitama, north of Tokyo, 8 June? Jorge Masvidal: First of all, I never lost to Rodrigo Damm.  Anyone who looks at the fight will agree with me.  The only steam I was blowing off was towards the referee who called my last fight!