D. Mandel/Sherdog.com
For the third time in a year, Strikeforce has booked a lightweight title unification rematch between champion Josh Thomson and interim champion Gilbert Melendez for its "Evolution" card Dec. 19 on Showtime.
It will be the second time the two Northern Californians have co-headlined the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif., as their June 2008 clash saw an underwhelming 7,288 (6,750 paid) turn out to see Thomson take five rounds and a title that, due to nagging injuries, he has yet to defend. Strikeforce tried to make the rematch for its first Showtime event in April and again for their August card, but leg injuries to Thomson preempted them.
The event will also be bolstered by local draw Cung Le, who faces Scott Smith in the main event. Smith did an interview during Showtime's Nov. 21 broadcast of the Andre Ward-Mikkel Kessler boxing match to promote the fight.
The card will also feature Matt Lindland vs. Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza, Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal vs. Mike Whitehead and Robbie Lawler against a yet-to-be named opponent.