Photo/Forza LLC via Getty ImagesHere is what we learned from the Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal main card and what is (or could be) next for the fighters:
Gilbert Melendez vs. Jorge Masvidal
Division: Lightweight
Result: Melendez defeated Masvidal by unanimous decision
What we learned about Melendez: Melendez once again demonstrated that he is a talented striker with precision accuracy. He was able to frustrate Masvidal with speedy combinations that were able to penetrate his blocking. We learned that Melendez will need to add power to his punches if he hopes to be able to do damage against the top lightweights in the division. An argument could be made that Melnedez should have more aggressively attempted a takedown and ground and pound attacks when it became apparent that he was not going to be able to knock out Masvidal while standing.
What is next for Melendez: Melendez is openly campaigning for a fight on the bigger UFC stage. A fight against Grey Maynard would provide a perfect opportunity (and significant challenge) for him.
What we learned about Masvidal: We learned that Masvidal's face does not bruise easily. Masvidal continued on even though it was obvious that he was getting taken apart by Melendez's quick hands. The fact that he did not change his game late in the fight may indicate that he is too one dimensional and may lack the skills to change the course of a fight when he is getting out-boxed.
What is next for Masvidal: Expect Masvidal to continue into 2012 on the recently signed Strikeforce deal. His next fight is likely to be in the spring as additional cards are announced.
Cristiane Santos vs. Hiroko Yamanaka
Division: Women's Featherweight
Result: Santos defeated Yamanaka by TKO in Round 1
What we learned about Santos: We learned that Santos may need to fight men in order to get a challenging fight. Cyborg is clearly outclassing all women fighters in her division (by a BIG margin). A male vs. female fight would come with controversy (and would be unlikely), but it would draw viewers in and give Strikeforce additional national media play. Megan Black qualified for the Iowa state wrestling tournament by competing in a physical and violent sport against males. Cyborg should be given a chance to do the same in MMA.
What is next for Santos: Cyborg has star power, so Strikeforce executives would be wise to keep her fighting on a regular basis. Her next fight may be against challenger Ronda Rousey. In the post-fight interview she mentioned a potential drop to 135 –-- which based on her current physique, seems very unlikely and probably ill-advised.
What we learned about Yamanaka: There is not much we could have learned about Yamanaka in 16 seconds of fighting except that she was clearly overmatched. She looked ready to continue prior to the fight being called, but things probably would not have gotten much better for her with an additional 16 seconds.
What is next for Yamanaka: A month of waking up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat followed by a sense of relief that Cyborg is back in North America and far, far away from Tokyo where she will finish her fighting career.
Gegard Mousasi vs. Ovince St. Preux
Division: Light Heavyweight
Result: Mousasi defeated St. Preux by unanimous decision
What we learned about Mousasi: Not much. We already knew that Mousasi was a highly-skilled striker with an average grappling game. In this fight, Mousasi showed improved grappling but it was disappointing that he was unable to finish the fight that he was controlling from start to finish. His inability to close down the fight may have been the result of him being under the weather prior to the event, or it may be another flag that he is not yet ready to complete against the fighters at the top of the 205 division.
What is next for Mousasi: A fight between the winner for Muhammed Lawal and Lorenzo Larkin could be an option for Mousasi.
What we learned about St. Preux: The former Tennessee football player showed potential, but ultimately that he is not ready for a fighter with as much skill as Mousasi. Mousasi was able to get him in the crucifix which means St. Preux needs to continue to work on his jiu-jitsu needs to some immediate improvement. Overall we learned that he has a pretty nice game, but is currently not ready for the best light heavyweights that Strikeforce has to offer.
What is next for St. Preux: Matching St. Preux with Lawal right now may be a bit much. If he struggled with Mousasi's wrestling, Lawal will have no problem controlling him. It may be best for St. Preux to build his confidence against a fighter with a less impressive resume in the next three months.
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