Melendez too much, finishes Kawajiri in the 1st
The two fighters wasted little time engaging in their anticipated rematch. Melendez momentarily dropped Kawajiri with a right hook as…
The two fighters wasted little time engaging in their anticipated rematch. Melendez momentarily dropped Kawajiri with a right hook as he went in for a jab. It was very apparent that the Strikeforce champion’s striking had greatly improved since their first encounter. El Nino had Kawajiri in trouble again with knees to the head but his Japanese counterpart was able to recover close to the cage.
Getting the better of the Crusher on their feet, Melendez’s superior boxing forced Kawajiri to shoot for a telegraphed takedown. Melendez sprawled, rolled the former Shooto champion to his back and unleashed a barrage of elbows that forced referee Cecil Peoples to put a halt to the fight.
Gilbert “El Nino” Melendez Vs. Tatsuya Kawajiri
Fight was scheduled for 5 rounds (5x5x5x5x5) – Fight was for the Lightweight Title
Gilbert Melendez def. Tatsuya Kawajiri via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 3:14