Strikeforce Card Features 2 of San Jose’s Best

Sacramento hosts “Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Healy” on Saturday, Sept. 29, at the Power Balance Pavilion. The main event features a lightweight title defense of Gilbert “El Nino” Melendez as he takes on fellow contender Pat “Bam Bam” Healy. Featured on the card is the return of two of San Jose’s Josh “The Punk” Thomson, who is 19-5 in MMA and 10-3 in Strikeforce, and light heavyweight Mike “MAK” Kyle (19-8-1-2 MMA, 3-3-1-1 SF). Both fighters are fighting out of American Kickboxing Academy.

Thomson, a former lightweight champion, returns after a controversial split-decision loss to the current champ this past May. In a five-round war, Thomson and Melendez left it all in the cage in a rubber match after they each took a win over the other. “The Punk” will now take on rising star, Caros Fodor (7-2 MMA, 5-1 SF) in a three-round affair, which may determine if he gets another shot at the title.

Both Thomson and Fodor are looking to get back in the win column after each fell short in their last outings. Fodor was riding a five-fight win streak before his setback, while Thomson traded W’s and L’s in his most recent outings. Thomson is a former UFC and Pride vet as well as a former Strikeforce champ, who, despite his last defeat, looks better in each fight. With a list of “who’s who” on his resume and plenty of experience, fans will be in for an exciting and entertaining war from “The Punk”.

Also on the card is hard-hitting knockout artist Mike Kyle. Always dangerous “MAK” welcomes a newcomer to Strikeforce, Dion “The Soldier” Staring. Staring owns a large number of knockouts on his list of wins, as does “MAK”, so fireworks are sure to be set off when these two meet.
Kyle has been in the MMA scene for more than a decade and has held titles in a various organizations. Known for his highlight reel finishes and in-your-face style, “MAK” is highly regarded as a top contender and could be a win away from a crack at the Strikeforce 205-pound crown. Knockout, submission or decision, a determined Kyle is trouble for anyone brave enough to step in the cage with him.

“Strikeforce: Melendez vs, Healy” will be televised live on Showtime at 7pm.

Not only an MMA reporter, Cap Calderon is also is a practitioner in the arts of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, boxing and kajukenbo. Follow him on Twitter at @fight4urwrite.

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