ProElite.com (SamCaplan.ProElite.com) has confirmed through Strikeforce Vice President Mike Afromowitz that BodogFIGHT lightweight competitor Jorge Masvidal is under consideration to receive a shot at the promotion's lightweight title currently held by Gilbert Melendez on March 29 in San Jose at the HP Pavilion.

The news was first reported in this week's print edition of Dave Meltzer's Wrestling Observer. According to Meltzer's report, Koutetsu Boku is the other candidate that's receiving strong consideration.

The March 29 show, which will be co-promoted by Strikeforce and EliteXC and scheduled to air on Showtime, will be headlined by Frank Shamrock defending his Strikeforce middleweight title against Cung Le.

Masvidal, who currently trains with American Top Team in Florida, is an aggressive fighter who currently has two fights remaining on his contract with BodogFIGHT. However, Bodog is one of Strikeforce's top sponsors and has loaned its fighters to the promotion in the past. In fact, Masvidal competed under the Bodog banner on Strikeforce's September show at the Playboy Mansion, where he recorded a first round TKO over veteran Matt Lee.

Prior to the win over Lee, Masvidal, 12-2 knocked out Yves Edwards in the second round on a Bodog show in Trenton this past July. Masvidal greatly improved his national profile with the win and Edwards is now currently a teammate of his at ATT.

Josh Thomson was originally expected to challenge Melendez for the title. However, he suffered a shoulder injury while training and recently underwent successful surgery.

Melendez, 13-1, is coming off the first loss in his pro career after dropping a unanimous decision to Mitsuhiro Ishida at Yarrenoka! on New Year's Eve in Japan. He expressed his disastifaction with the judges' determiation during an interview with Ron Kruck of HDNet immediately after the bout.

Nicknamed "El Nino," Melendez possesses a strong ground game that has been developed under the guidance of Cesar Gracie. However, it's his aggressive standup style that has allowed him to earn a loyal fanbase. Melendez and Masvidal both like to push the pace of a fight while on their feet and the potential matchup is one that could generate a lot of excitement.

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Sam Caplan

Lead Writer/Editor - ProElite.com

SamCaplan.ProElite.com