Gilbert Melendez talks about his brand new six-fight deal with Strikeforce

Strikeforce lightweight champion, Gilbert Melendez has been speaking today about the brand new six fight deal he’s signed with the promotion earlier this year, explaining he’s very happy with all aspects of it.
Speaking via Skrap Pack Radio, Melendez said:

“I signed a two year, six-fight deal with them. They made me a very good offer that I knew I would not get in any other organization, so I’m very happy with it and happy to get fighting again.”

“It’s what ever comes first. They have to give me three fights per year. Obviously, it can be extended if there’s an injury or something like that, or I refuse to fight,” said Melendez. “They have to get me those three fights a year, within that year, within the next year or else they’re in breach, or they’re going to have to pay me for the fights.”

“They structure these agreements in the favor of the organizations, obviously, and it wasn’t very easy to weigh out a lot of options being the champion, them having championship clauses and all. But they did a really good job of talking to me and giving me an offer that I really was happy with. We played a little bit of hard ball, but at the end of the day Strikeforce is a great organization and I’m happy to be a part of it.”

Melendez looks set to defend his title in April when the promotion hosts it’s second round of heavyweight grand prix quarter final bouts either in the U.S. or Japan. One rumoured opponent for “El Nino” is Japanese superstar, Tatsuya Kawajiri. Stay tuned to MMABay for more on this as it comes in.