Gilbert Melendez is an American mixed martial artist

Mixed martial arts

Mixed Martial Arts is a full contact combat sport that allows the use of both striking and grappling techniques, both standing and on the ground, including boxing, wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, muay Thai, kickboxing, karate, judo and other styles. The roots of modern mixed martial arts can be...

 of Mexican

Mexican people

Mexican people refers to all persons from Mexico, a multiethnic country in North America, and/or who identify with the Mexican cultural and/or national identity....

 descent. Currently fighting out of San Francisco, California

San Francisco, California

San Francisco , officially the City and County of San Francisco, is the financial, cultural, and transportation center of the San Francisco Bay Area, a region of 7.15 million people which includes San Jose and Oakland...

, he formerly competed in the lightweight

Lightweight (MMA)

The lightweight division in mixed martial arts can refer to a number of different weight classes:* The UFC & Strikeforce lightweight division with upper limit at 155 lb...

 division of PRIDE Fighting Championships and now competes in Strikeforce

Strikeforce

Strikeforce is a U.S.-based mixed martial arts and kickboxing organization based in San Jose, California. It is headed by CEO Scott Coker and owned by Zuffa, LLC...

. He has trained extensively with Turbo Fairtex, Jake Shields

Jake Shields

Jake Shields is an American mixed martial artist who is currently fighting in the welterweight division of the UFC. He is the last Rumble on the Rock 175 lb champion. He is the first and last Elite XC Welterweight Champion. He is also the former Shooto Middleweight Champion and is the former...

, Cesar Gracie

Cesar Gracie

Cesar Gracie is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt who trains a number of top fighters in Pleasant Hill, California. Gracie is a member of the Gracie family, the son of Sonja Gracie-Gronning and not to be confused with his cousin also named Cesar Gracie who is the son of Reylson Gracie.- Biography...

, Nick Diaz

Nick Díaz

Nicholas Robert Diaz is an American mixed martial artist. He is the former Strikeforce Welterweight Champion, WEC and IFC Welterweight Champion. He has competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Pride Fighting Championships and Elite Xtreme Combat. Diaz was promoted to black belt in Brazilian...

, and David Terrell

David Terrell (fighter)

David Michael Terrell is a retired American mixed martial artist from Santa Rosa, California. A black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Cesar Gracie, no one has scored a point against Terrell in a grappling match...

.
Melendez is the Strikeforce Lightweight Champion and has avenged both his career losses. Melendez is ranked as the #2 by Sherdog

Sherdog

Sherdog is an American website devoted to the sport of mixed martial arts . The site is a member of the Crave Online network and provides MMA related content for ESPN.com.- History :...

 and as the #1 lightweight fighter in the world by MMAWeekly and FightMagazine.com. Melendez is also ranked as the #8 pound-for-pound fighter in the world by Sherdog, and #9 by Yahoo Sports. Melendez holds notable wins over Shinya Aoki

Shinya Aoki

is a Japanese mixed martial artist, grappler, and former police trainee who is noted for being the DREAM Lightweight Champion and former Shooto Middleweight Champion. Aoki holds a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Yuki Nakai, as well as a black belt in judo. He is one of the most prominent...

, Clay Guida

Clay Guida

Clayton Charles Guida is an American mixed martial artist and currently fighting in the UFC as a lightweight. Guida was the first Strikeforce Lightweight Champion and held the title until being defeated by Gilbert Melendez at Strikeforce: Revenge...

, Josh Thomson

Josh Thomson

Joshua Joseph Thomson is an American mixed martial arts fighter training with American Kickboxing Academy. He has fought in Japan's PRIDE Fighting Championships and America's UFC, as well as Strikeforce and the World Fighting Alliance. Thomson is a former Strikeforce World Lightweight Champion...

, Mitsuhiro Ishida

Mitsuhiro Ishida

Mitsuhiro Ishida is a Japanese mixed martial artist who has competed in Shooto, Strikeforce and Pride. He currently competes in Dream and is known for his wrestling ability and endurance.- Mixed martial arts career :...

 and Tatsuya Kawajiri

Tatsuya Kawajiri

Tatsuya Kawajiri is a Japanese mixed martial artist and a former Shooto welterweight champion, currently competing in Dream's lightweight division...

(2x).

Mixed martial arts career

Melendez began fighting in the pre-Zuffa World Extreme Cagefighting

World Extreme Cagefighting

World Extreme Cagefighting was an American mixed martial arts promotion. It was purchased by Zuffa, LLC, the parent company of Ultimate Fighting Championship , in 2006. In its final incarnation, it was made up of 3 weight classes: 135, 145 and 155 lbs. To accommodate the smaller...

 and Rumble on the Rock shows and also spent some time overseas where he fought for Shooto

Shooto

Shooto is a mixed martial arts organization that is governed by the Shooto Association and the International Shooto Commission. Shooto was originally formed in 1985, as an organization and as a particular fighting system derived from shoot wrestling. Practitioners are referred to as shooters,...

 and PRIDE Fighting Championships

Melendez won the Strikeforce Lightweight Championship from Clay Guida

Clay Guida

Clayton Charles Guida is an American mixed martial artist and currently fighting in the UFC as a lightweight. Guida was the first Strikeforce Lightweight Champion and held the title until being defeated by Gilbert Melendez at Strikeforce: Revenge...

 by split decision on June 9, 2006.

Melendez held the belt for two years before losing it on June 27, 2008 to Josh Thomson

Josh Thomson

Joshua Joseph Thomson is an American mixed martial arts fighter training with American Kickboxing Academy. He has fought in Japan's PRIDE Fighting Championships and America's UFC, as well as Strikeforce and the World Fighting Alliance. Thomson is a former Strikeforce World Lightweight Champion...

 by unanimous decision (50–45, 50–45, 50–45) at Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Thomson

Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Thomson

Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Thomson was a mixed martial arts event promoted by Strikeforce. The event took place at the HP Pavilion at San Jose in San Jose, California on Friday, June 27, 2008. The main event was the long awaited match between lightweights Gilbert Melendez and Josh Thomson for the...

.

On April 11, 2009, Melendez was scheduled to rematch Josh Thomson

Josh Thomson

Joshua Joseph Thomson is an American mixed martial arts fighter training with American Kickboxing Academy. He has fought in Japan's PRIDE Fighting Championships and America's UFC, as well as Strikeforce and the World Fighting Alliance. Thomson is a former Strikeforce World Lightweight Champion...

 for the title at Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Diaz

Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Diaz

Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Diaz was a mixed martial arts event held by Strikeforce on April 11, 2009 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California. It was the first event promoted by Strikeforce after their acquisition of assets from the defunct EliteXC promotion through its parent company ProElite. It...

 but the bout was cancelled on April 1 as Thomson broke his ankle in training for the fight. Rodrigo Damm

Rodrigo Damm

Rodrigo Damm is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist who has competed for World Victory Road, Strikeforce, Jungle Fight, bodogFIGHT, and Shooto promotions. Rodrigo's sister Carina Damm is also a mixed martial artist. Damm made his US debut at Strikeforce: Shamrock vs...

 replaced Thomson on the card and the two squared off for the interim title which Melendez would go on to win, stopping Damm with strikes in the 2nd round.

On August 15, 2009, Melendez was again set to rematch Josh Thomson at Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg

Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg

Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg was a mixed martial arts event held by Strikeforce. It was held in San Jose, California on August 15, 2009. The event aired live on the Showtime cable network and marked the first time two women headlined a major MMA event....

 but Thomson was not cleared to fight, due to lingering problems with his leg. Mitsuhiro Ishida

Mitsuhiro Ishida

Mitsuhiro Ishida is a Japanese mixed martial artist who has competed in Shooto, Strikeforce and Pride. He currently competes in Dream and is known for his wrestling ability and endurance.- Mixed martial arts career :...

 was selected to replace Thomson in what became Melendez' first Interim title defense.

On December 19, 2009, Melendez fought Josh Thomson to unify the Strikeforce Lightweight Championship belts. Melendez won the fight via unanimous decision to become the Undisputed Lightweight Champion. With the win he also avenged the second of his only two losses to date.

Melendez successfully defended the Strikeforce Lightweight Championship against current DREAM Lightweight Champion and former Shooto Middleweight Champion Shinya Aoki

Shinya Aoki

is a Japanese mixed martial artist, grappler, and former police trainee who is noted for being the DREAM Lightweight Champion and former Shooto Middleweight Champion. Aoki holds a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Yuki Nakai, as well as a black belt in judo. He is one of the most prominent...

 on April 17, 2010.

A rematch between Melendez and Tatsuya Kawajiri

Tatsuya Kawajiri

Tatsuya Kawajiri is a Japanese mixed martial artist and a former Shooto welterweight champion, currently competing in Dream's lightweight division...

 took take place on April 9, 2011 at Strikeforce 33 in April. Melendez dominated his opponent showing excellent striking, knocking down Kawajiri with a right hand near the beginning of the fight. Melendez then again knocked down Kawajiri with a combination of knees to the body and a right hook followed by a right uppercut. The beginning of the end came when Melendez sprawled one of Kawajiri's takedowns and then began landing short left hands which knocked Kawajiri down into half-guard where Melendez began landing vicious right elbows before the referee stopped the fight declaring Melendez the winner by TKO 3:14 into the first round.

Melendez will face Jorge Masvidal

Jorge Masvidal

Jorge Masvidal is an American mixed martial artist of Cuban descent who trains with American Top Team. Currently signed to Strikeforce, Masvidal's record includes notable wins over Yves Edwards, Joe Lauzon, Satoru Kitaoka, Ryan Schultz, Billy Evangelista and K.J...

 next. A date and venue have yet to be set, but the bout will likely be targeted for November or December.

UFC president Dana White revealed to reporters that he's working to bring Gilbert Melendez into the UFC fold "ASAP" with the possibility of Melendez entering with an immediate shot at the belt.

Melendez will instead defend his title against challenger Jorge Masvidal

Jorge Masvidal

Jorge Masvidal is an American mixed martial artist of Cuban descent who trains with American Top Team. Currently signed to Strikeforce, Masvidal's record includes notable wins over Yves Edwards, Joe Lauzon, Satoru Kitaoka, Ryan Schultz, Billy Evangelista and K.J...

 at Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal

Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal

Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal is an upcoming mixed martial arts event to be held by Strikeforce. The event will take place on December 17, 2011 at the Valley View Casino Center in San Diego, California.-Background:...

.

Strikeforce: Nashville Post-Fight Brawl

Melendez was one of the members of the Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu

Cesar Gracie

Cesar Gracie is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt who trains a number of top fighters in Pleasant Hill, California. Gracie is a member of the Gracie family, the son of Sonja Gracie-Gronning and not to be confused with his cousin also named Cesar Gracie who is the son of Reylson Gracie.- Biography...

 team who participated in a post fight brawl live on CBS after Jake Shields

Jake Shields

Jake Shields is an American mixed martial artist who is currently fighting in the welterweight division of the UFC. He is the last Rumble on the Rock 175 lb champion. He is the first and last Elite XC Welterweight Champion. He is also the former Shooto Middleweight Champion and is the former...

 defeated Dan Henderson

Dan Henderson

Daniel Jeffery Henderson, is an American mixed martial artist and former Olympic wrestler, who competes as a middleweight and light heavyweight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He is the former Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion and was the last Welterweight and Middleweight champion...

. Jason Miller somehow gained access to the cage, and interrupted Shields, asking "Where's my rematch buddy?", into the microphone referring to a previous fight between the two at Strikeforce: Fedor vs Rogers in 2009. Melendez and Jake Shields

Jake Shields

Jake Shields is an American mixed martial artist who is currently fighting in the welterweight division of the UFC. He is the last Rumble on the Rock 175 lb champion. He is the first and last Elite XC Welterweight Champion. He is also the former Shooto Middleweight Champion and is the former...

 then shoved Miller and Nick Diaz

Nick Díaz

Nicholas Robert Diaz is an American mixed martial artist. He is the former Strikeforce Welterweight Champion, WEC and IFC Welterweight Champion. He has competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Pride Fighting Championships and Elite Xtreme Combat. Diaz was promoted to black belt in Brazilian...

 threw a punch at Miller, which led to the brawl. Miller was wrestled to the floor by members of Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu

Cesar Gracie

Cesar Gracie is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt who trains a number of top fighters in Pleasant Hill, California. Gracie is a member of the Gracie family, the son of Sonja Gracie-Gronning and not to be confused with his cousin also named Cesar Gracie who is the son of Reylson Gracie.- Biography...

. While Miller was restrained on the ground, members of Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu

Cesar Gracie

Cesar Gracie is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt who trains a number of top fighters in Pleasant Hill, California. Gracie is a member of the Gracie family, the son of Sonja Gracie-Gronning and not to be confused with his cousin also named Cesar Gracie who is the son of Reylson Gracie.- Biography...

 began to attack him. The fight was eventually broken up by members of security and Dan Henderson

Dan Henderson

Daniel Jeffery Henderson, is an American mixed martial artist and former Olympic wrestler, who competes as a middleweight and light heavyweight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He is the former Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion and was the last Welterweight and Middleweight champion...

's corner. Melendez and five others were given three-month suspensions and fines of $5,000–7,500.

Personal life

Melendez and his girlfriend Keri Anne have a daughter, Leylakay Valentina Melendez, born August 8, 2010.

Film and Television

Melendez is starring alongside teammates Jake Shields and Nick Diaz in the mixed martial arts documentary Fight Life, the film is directed by independent filmmaker James Z. Feng and produced by RiLL Films, set for release in the summer of 2011.

Championships and accomplishments

• Strikeforce
  Strikeforce
  Strikeforce is a U.S.-based mixed martial arts and kickboxing organization based in San Jose, California. It is headed by CEO Scott Coker and owned by Zuffa, LLC...
  
  
  • Strikeforce Lightweight Championship (Two times; Current)
  • Strikeforce Interim Lightweight Championship (One time)
  • Most championship bouts in Strikeforce (Eight)
  • Tied (Josh Thomson
    Josh Thomson
    Joshua Joseph Thomson is an American mixed martial arts fighter training with American Kickboxing Academy. He has fought in Japan's PRIDE Fighting Championships and America's UFC, as well as Strikeforce and the World Fighting Alliance. Thomson is a former Strikeforce World Lightweight Champion...
    
    ) for most wins in Strikeforce (Nine)

• World Extreme Cagefighting
  World Extreme Cagefighting
  World Extreme Cagefighting was an American mixed martial arts promotion. It was purchased by Zuffa, LLC, the parent company of Ultimate Fighting Championship , in 2006. In its final incarnation, it was made up of 3 weight classes: 135, 145 and 155 lbs. To accommodate the smaller...
  
  
  • WEC Lightweight Championship (One time; First)

Mixed martial arts record

|-
|
| align=center|
|   Jorge Masvidal

Jorge Masvidal

Jorge Masvidal is an American mixed martial artist of Cuban descent who trains with American Top Team. Currently signed to Strikeforce, Masvidal's record includes notable wins over Yves Edwards, Joe Lauzon, Satoru Kitaoka, Ryan Schultz, Billy Evangelista and K.J...

|
| Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal

Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal

Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal is an upcoming mixed martial arts event to be held by Strikeforce. The event will take place on December 17, 2011 at the Valley View Casino Center in San Diego, California.-Background:...

|
| align=center|
| align=center|
| San Diego, California

San Diego, California

San Diego is the eighth-largest city in the United States and second-largest city in California. The city is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Southern California, immediately adjacent to the Mexican border. The birthplace of California, San Diego is known for its mild year-round...

, United States

United States

The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

|
|-
| Win
| align=center| 19-2
|   Tatsuya Kawajiri

Tatsuya Kawajiri

Tatsuya Kawajiri is a Japanese mixed martial artist and a former Shooto welterweight champion, currently competing in Dream's lightweight division...

| TKO (elbows)
| Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley

Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley

Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley was a mixed martial arts event held by Strikeforce, the event took place on April 9, 2011, at the Valley View Casino Center in San Diego, California.-Background:This was the first "Arena Series" event under Zuffa management....

|
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 3:14
| San Diego, California

San Diego, California

San Diego is the eighth-largest city in the United States and second-largest city in California. The city is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Southern California, immediately adjacent to the Mexican border. The birthplace of California, San Diego is known for its mild year-round...

, United States

United States

The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

|
|-
| Win
| align=center| 18-2
|   Shinya Aoki

Shinya Aoki

is a Japanese mixed martial artist, grappler, and former police trainee who is noted for being the DREAM Lightweight Champion and former Shooto Middleweight Champion. Aoki holds a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Yuki Nakai, as well as a black belt in judo. He is one of the most prominent...

| Decision (unanimous)
| Strikeforce: Nashville

Strikeforce: Nashville

Strikeforce: Nashville was a mixed martial arts event held on April 17, 2010 at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, United States and broadcast domestically on CBS.-Background:...

|
| align=center| 5
| align=center| 5:00
| Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville is the capital of the U.S. state of Tennessee and the county seat of Davidson County. It is located on the Cumberland River in Davidson County, in the north-central part of the state. The city is a center for the health care, publishing, banking and transportation industries, and is home...

, United States

United States

The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

|
|-
| Win
| align=center| 17-2
|   Josh Thomson

Josh Thomson

Joshua Joseph Thomson is an American mixed martial arts fighter training with American Kickboxing Academy. He has fought in Japan's PRIDE Fighting Championships and America's UFC, as well as Strikeforce and the World Fighting Alliance. Thomson is a former Strikeforce World Lightweight Champion...

| Decision (unanimous)
| Strikeforce: Evolution

Strikeforce: Evolution

Strikeforce: Evolution was a mixed martial arts event to be held by the Strikeforce on December 19, 2009 in San Jose, California at the HP Pavilion at San Jose...

|
| align=center| 5
| align=center| 5:00
| San Jose, California

San Jose, California

San Jose is the third-largest city in California, the tenth-largest in the U.S., and the county seat of Santa Clara County which is located at the southern end of San Francisco Bay...

, United States

United States

The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

|
|-
| Win
| align=center| 16-2
|   Mitsuhiro Ishida

Mitsuhiro Ishida

Mitsuhiro Ishida is a Japanese mixed martial artist who has competed in Shooto, Strikeforce and Pride. He currently competes in Dream and is known for his wrestling ability and endurance.- Mixed martial arts career :...

| TKO (punches)
| Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg

Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg

Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg was a mixed martial arts event held by Strikeforce. It was held in San Jose, California on August 15, 2009. The event aired live on the Showtime cable network and marked the first time two women headlined a major MMA event....

|
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 3:56
| San Jose, California

San Jose, California

San Jose is the third-largest city in California, the tenth-largest in the U.S., and the county seat of Santa Clara County which is located at the southern end of San Francisco Bay...

, United States

United States

The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

|
|-
| Win
| align=center| 15-2
|   Rodrigo Damm

Rodrigo Damm

Rodrigo Damm is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist who has competed for World Victory Road, Strikeforce, Jungle Fight, bodogFIGHT, and Shooto promotions. Rodrigo's sister Carina Damm is also a mixed martial artist. Damm made his US debut at Strikeforce: Shamrock vs...

| KO (punches)
| Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Diaz

Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Diaz

Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Diaz was a mixed martial arts event held by Strikeforce on April 11, 2009 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California. It was the first event promoted by Strikeforce after their acquisition of assets from the defunct EliteXC promotion through its parent company ProElite. It...

|
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 2:02
| San Jose, California

San Jose, California

San Jose is the third-largest city in California, the tenth-largest in the U.S., and the county seat of Santa Clara County which is located at the southern end of San Francisco Bay...

, United States

United States

The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

|
|-
| Loss
| align=center| 14–2
|   Josh Thomson

Josh Thomson

Joshua Joseph Thomson is an American mixed martial arts fighter training with American Kickboxing Academy. He has fought in Japan's PRIDE Fighting Championships and America's UFC, as well as Strikeforce and the World Fighting Alliance. Thomson is a former Strikeforce World Lightweight Champion...

| Decision (unanimous)
| Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Thomson

Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Thomson

Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Thomson was a mixed martial arts event promoted by Strikeforce. The event took place at the HP Pavilion at San Jose in San Jose, California on Friday, June 27, 2008. The main event was the long awaited match between lightweights Gilbert Melendez and Josh Thomson for the...

|
| align=center| 5
| align=center| 5:00
| San Jose, California

San Jose, California

San Jose is the third-largest city in California, the tenth-largest in the U.S., and the county seat of Santa Clara County which is located at the southern end of San Francisco Bay...

, United States

United States

The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

|
|-
| Win
| align=center| 14–1
|   Gabe Lemley
| TKO (punches)
| Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Le

Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Le

Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Le was a mixed martial arts event co-promoted by Strikeforce and EliteXC. The event took place on Saturday, March 29, 2008 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California. The main card aired live on the Showtime premium cable channel. The event originally featured the...

|
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 2:18
| San Jose, California

San Jose, California

San Jose is the third-largest city in California, the tenth-largest in the U.S., and the county seat of Santa Clara County which is located at the southern end of San Francisco Bay...

, United States

United States

The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

|
|-
| Loss
| align=center| 13–1
|   Mitsuhiro Ishida

Mitsuhiro Ishida

Mitsuhiro Ishida is a Japanese mixed martial artist who has competed in Shooto, Strikeforce and Pride. He currently competes in Dream and is known for his wrestling ability and endurance.- Mixed martial arts career :...

| Decision (unanimous)
| Yarennoka!

Yarennoka!

Yarennoka! was a mixed martial arts event that took place on December 31, 2007 at the Saitama Super Arena in Tokyo, Japan. The event was promoted by the Yarrenoka! Executive Committee, composed of former Pride Fighting Championships executives, and held in association with Fighting and...

|
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 5:00
| Saitama, Saitama

Saitama, Saitama

' is the capital and the most populous city of Saitama Prefecture in Japan, situated in the south-east of the prefecture. Its area incorporates the former cities of Urawa, Ōmiya, Yono and Iwatsuki. It is a city designated by government ordinance...

|
|-
| Win
| align=center| 13–0
|   Tetsuji Kato
| Decision (unanimous)
| Strikeforce: Playboy Mansion

Strikeforce: Playboy Mansion

Strikeforce: Playboy Mansion was a mixed martial arts event promoted by Strikeforce. The event took place on September 29, 2007 at the Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles, California. The invitation-only event drew nearly 1,000 spectators who paid $1000 per ticket. The event was supervised by the...

|
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| Beverly Hills, California

Beverly Hills, California

Beverly Hills is an affluent city located in Los Angeles County, California, United States. With a population of 34,109 at the 2010 census, up from 33,784 as of the 2000 census, it is home to numerous Hollywood celebrities. Beverly Hills and the neighboring city of West Hollywood are together...

, United States

United States

The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

|
|-
| Win
| align=center| 12–0
|   Tatsuya Kawajiri

Tatsuya Kawajiri

Tatsuya Kawajiri is a Japanese mixed martial artist and a former Shooto welterweight champion, currently competing in Dream's lightweight division...

| Decision (unanimous)
| Pride Shockwave 2006

PRIDE Shockwave 2006

Pride Shockwave 2006 was a mixed martial arts event held by Pride Fighting Championships on December 31, 2006. In Japan, this event was called...

|
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 5:00
| Saitama, Saitama

Saitama, Saitama

' is the capital and the most populous city of Saitama Prefecture in Japan, situated in the south-east of the prefecture. Its area incorporates the former cities of Urawa, Ōmiya, Yono and Iwatsuki. It is a city designated by government ordinance...

|
|-
| Win
| align=center| 11–0
|   Nobuhiro Obiya
| Decision (unanimous)
| Pride Bushido 12

PRIDE Bushido 12

-Bushido Rules:* In BUSHIDO fights are two rounds . The first round is ten minutes, and the second round is five minutes. There are no extra rounds. If the fight goes the distance then judges decide on a winner....

|
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 5:00
| Nagoya, Japan

Japan

Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...

|
|-
| Win
| align=center| 10–0
|   Clay Guida

Clay Guida

Clayton Charles Guida is an American mixed martial artist and currently fighting in the UFC as a lightweight. Guida was the first Strikeforce Lightweight Champion and held the title until being defeated by Gilbert Melendez at Strikeforce: Revenge...

| Decision (split)
| Strikeforce: Revenge

Strikeforce: Revenge

Strikeforce: Revenge was the second mixed martial arts event promoted by Strikeforce. The event took place at the HP Pavilion at San Jose in San Jose, California on June 9, 2006. The main event featured the North American debut of Alistair Overeem....

|
| align=center| 5
| align=center| 5:00
| San Jose, California

San Jose, California

San Jose is the third-largest city in California, the tenth-largest in the U.S., and the county seat of Santa Clara County which is located at the southern end of San Francisco Bay...

, United States

United States

The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

|
|-
| Win
| align=center| 9–0
|   Harris Sarmiento
| Submission (punches)
| Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Gracie

Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Gracie

Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Gracie was the inaugural mixed martial arts event promoted by Strikeforce. The event took place at the HP Pavilion at San Jose in San Jose, California on March 10, 2006. The main event was the long awaited match between Frank Shamrock, returning to the sport after a 3-year...

|
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 0:44
| San Jose, California

San Jose, California

San Jose is the third-largest city in California, the tenth-largest in the U.S., and the county seat of Santa Clara County which is located at the southern end of San Francisco Bay...

, United States

United States

The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

|
|-
| Win
| align=center| 8–0
|   Rumina Sato

Rumina Sato

is a Japanese mixed martial artist, currently competing in the Shooto organization. Being the first mixed martial artist to beat a black belt Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fighter by a submission, Sato is considered by many to be an exciting shoot wrestling-based fighter in MMA and has been nicknamed...

| TKO (cut)
| Shooto: Alive Road
|
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:32
| Yokohama

Yokohama

is the capital city of Kanagawa Prefecture and the second largest city in Japan by population after Tokyo and most populous municipality of Japan. It lies on Tokyo Bay, south of Tokyo, in the Kantō region of the main island of Honshu...

, Japan

Japan

Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...

|
|-
| Win
| align=center| 7–0
|   Naoya Uematsu
| TKO (cut)
| Shooto 2005: 5/4 in Korakuen Hall
|
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 4:30
| Tokyo, Japan
|
|-
| Win
| align=center| 6–0
|   Hiroyuki Takaya

Hiroyuki Takaya

|-| Win|align=center| 16–9–1| Kazuyuki Miyata| Decision | Dream: Japan GP Final| |align=center| 3|align=center| 5:00|Tokyo, Japan, Japan| Defended DREAM Featherweight Championship|-| Loss|align=center| 15–9–1| Robbie Peralta| Decision...

| Decision (unanimous)
| Shooto 2004: Year-End Show
|
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| Tokyo

Tokyo

, ; officially , is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. Tokyo is the capital of Japan, the center of the Greater Tokyo Area, and the largest metropolitan area of Japan. It is the seat of the Japanese government and the Imperial Palace, and the home of the Japanese Imperial Family...

, Japan

Japan

Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...

|
|-
| Win
| align=center| 5–0
|   Kaynan Kaku
| TKO (punches)
| K-1 Fighting Network Rumble on the Rock 2004
|
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 3:58
| Honolulu, Hawaii

Honolulu, Hawaii

Honolulu is the capital and the most populous city of the U.S. state of Hawaii. Honolulu is the southernmost major U.S. city. Although the name "Honolulu" refers to the urban area on the southeastern shore of the island of Oahu, the city and county government are consolidated as the City and...

, United States

United States

The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

|
|-
| Win
| align=center| 4–0
|   Olaf Alfonso

Olaf Alfonso

Olaf Alfonso is a Mexican mixed martial artist. He is a former Palace Fighting Championship Welterweight Champion, a World Extreme Cagefighting veteran and has competed for PRIDE Fighting Championship....

| TKO (punches)
| WEC 10

WEC 10

WEC 10: Bragging Rights was a mixed martial arts event promoted by World Extreme Cagefighting on May 21, 2004 at the Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino in Lemoore, California. This event saw the fourth appearance of future Superstar Gilbert Melendez who took on Olaf Alfonso. This event also saw two of the...

|
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 4:54
| Lemoore, California

Lemoore, California

Lemoore is a city in Kings County, California, United States. Lemoore is located west-southwest of Hanford, at an elevation of 230 feet . It is part of the Hanford–Corcoran Metropolitan Statistical Area...

, United States

United States

The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

|
|-
| Win
| align=center| 3–0
|   Stephen Palling
| TKO (punches)
| Rumble on the Rock 4

Rumble on the Rock 4

Rumble on the Rock 4 was an mixed martial arts event held by Rumble on the Rock on October 10, 2003 at Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.-Results: Antonio Banuelos vs. Yobie SongBanuelos defeats Song via TKO in round 3 at 2:39...

|
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 4:59
| Honolulu, Hawaii

Honolulu, Hawaii

Honolulu is the capital and the most populous city of the U.S. state of Hawaii. Honolulu is the southernmost major U.S. city. Although the name "Honolulu" refers to the urban area on the southeastern shore of the island of Oahu, the city and county government are consolidated as the City and...

, United States

United States

The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

|
|-
| Win
| align=center| 2–0
|   Jeff Hougland

Jeff Hougland

Jeff Hougland is an American mixed martial artist who is currently under contract for the Ultimate Fighting Championship .-Early career:Hougland started fighting professionally in 2002...

| TKO (punches)
| WEC 6

WEC 6

WEC 6: Return of a Legend was a mixed martial arts event promoted by World Extreme Cagefighting on March 27, 2003 at the Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino in Lemoore, California. The event was centered around the return of MMA superstar Frank Shamrock taking on Bryan Pardoe. Shamrock had been retired and...

|
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 2:05
| Lemoore, California

Lemoore, California

Lemoore is a city in Kings County, California, United States. Lemoore is located west-southwest of Hanford, at an elevation of 230 feet . It is part of the Hanford–Corcoran Metropolitan Statistical Area...

, United States

United States

The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

|
|-
| Win
| align=center| 1–0
|   Greg Quan
| TKO (punches)
| WEC 5

WEC 5

WEC 5: Halloween Fury was a mixed martial arts event held on October 18th, 2002 at The Palace Casino in Lemoore, California. WEC 5s main event was a title fight between Cole Escovedo and Philip Perez.- Results :...

|
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 4:37
| Lemoore, California

Lemoore, California

Lemoore is a city in Kings County, California, United States. Lemoore is located west-southwest of Hanford, at an elevation of 230 feet . It is part of the Hanford–Corcoran Metropolitan Statistical Area...

, United States

United States

The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

|

See also

• List of current mixed martial arts champions
• List of male mixed martial artists

External links

• Official Pride Website
• Gilbert Melendez' Myspace
• December, 2006 Interview