Lightweight Championship bout: Gilbert “El Nino” Melendez defeated Shinya Aoki via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45).
Lightweight Championship bout: Gilbert “El Nino” Melendez defeated Shinya Aoki via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45).
Melendez did a great job keeping Aoki off of him, employing a similar style as he did against Josh Thompson in their last fight.
Props to him for making Aoki stand up whenever he wanted. He shouldn't feel the need to engage Aoki on the ground any more than a wrestler should feel the need to stand and trade.
I totally disagree with Mario Yamasaki's forcing them to stand when Aoki is crab walking forwards AND Melendez is crouching close and engaging him. The referee should only facilitate the stand up when it is clear that the standing fighter is NOT going to engage on the ground.
R:4+ A:3- S:3 T:3