BACKGROUND Gilbert Melendez was born in Santa Ana, Calif., on April 12, 1982. He began wrestling in high school, but didn't begin trained in mixed fighting techinques until after school. While attending Bay Area State University and studying liberal arts, Melendez was introduced to MMA by his good friend Jake Shields. Melendez had planned on becoming a teacher, but his newfound love for MMA and the training that went along side it took up the majority of his time, and he slipped out. EARLY CAREER His professional debut was made by melendez on Oct. 18, 2002 at WEC 5, right back ahead of the WEC was acquired by Zuffa, beating Greg Quan by TKO since the first round drew to an in depth. He trapped around the WEC for a long period while also fighting in offers such as Rumble on the Rock, and he actually made his debut in Japan for the Shooto marketing. The biggest gain of Melendez's career, to that point, came when he beat Clay Guida for the Strikeforce light subject on March 10, 2006 at Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Gracie. Upon winning the title, Melendez could continue fighting for Strikeforce while also moonlighting for the organization in Japan. Melendez endured the first lack of his career to Mitsuhiro Ishida on Dec. 31, 2007. He would continue to defeat Gabe Lemley, but lost to Josh Thomson in the first battle of would what eventually develop into a trilogy involving the two. AAfter the Thomson loss, Melendez could commence a winning streak that remains even today. NOTABLE WINS July. 18, 2002: Defeats Greg Quan for first professional win.Aug. 20, 2005: Defeats celebrated fighter Rumina SatoJune 9, 2006: Defeats Clay Guida, wins Strikeforce lightweight titleDec. 31, 2006: Defeats Tatsuya KawajiriAug. 15, 2009: Defeats Mitsuhiro Ishida, avenges first profession lossDec. 19, 2009: Defeats Josh Thomson, unifies Strikeforce light titleApril 17, 2010: Defeats Shinya AokiMay 19, 2012: Defeats Josh Thomson for second time; final Strikeforce battle TITLES Strikeforce lightweight championship (twice )Interim Strikeforce lightweight championship (one time )WEC lightweight championship (one time)
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