Strikeforce champ Melendez ready to back up tough talk

SAN DIEGO — Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez had just stepped off the plane when he saw the first benefits of the organization’s new ownership by the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

"The first thing I noticed was the guy who picked me up at the airport was a UFC guy who usually picks up (UFC teammates) for their fights and he was wearing a Strikeforce shirt," Melendez said. "I looked at him and just kind of laughed. It seems cool. I’ve got two organizations working together for me now and I’m happy about it."

Melendez will defend his belt against Japanese star Tatsuya Kawajiri on a Strikeforce card at Valley View Casino Center tonight. The event will air tape-delayed on Showtime at 10 p.m.

It is the first major Strikeforce event under the ownership Las Vegas-based Zuffa, the parent company of the UFC.

Melendez, 28, might be among the biggest beneficiaries of the ownership change. He is widely considered one of the world’s top lightweights and has a legitimate shot to be the first Strikeforce fighter to get a chance to fight for a UFC belt.

Melendez hasn’t shied away from the possibility. He has put the pressure squarely on his shoulders, having proclaimed himself the world’s best lightweight.

"Of course there’s a lot more pressure on me, but I welcome the pressure. That’s part of being the champion. That’s part of standing out in the sport is to be able to handle the pressure and perform under it," he said. "We’re going to find out if I can handle it or not. I’ve been campaigning that I’m the No. 1 guy. I’ve been doing a lot of talking and now it’s time to back it up."

He will get that chance against Kawajiri, whom he defeated in a somewhat controversial decision in Japan in 2006. Kawajiri said Thursday the first fight probably should have been called a draw, a remark that annoyed Melendez.

"I’ve heard him say he won before. I’ve seen people blog that it was a ridiculous decision. I feel like it’s unfinished business," Melendez said. "It’s a good way to manipulate it and turn it around to motivate me. This is my rematch. I need to make a statement."

Melendez hasn’t fought since last April, but says he has been training hard and isn’t concerned about ring rust. That view was seconded by Nick Diaz, a teammate of Melendez at Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in the Bay Area, who will defend his welterweight belt on the card.

Melendez sounds far more interested in what’s going on outside the cage.

"After fighting’s over, I want to be branded by that time. It’s a little difficult being branded in Strikeforce without the marketing machine of the UFC," he said. "(I’ve been in a) great organization, but now people are going to know who I am. I’m 19-2, and I think every one of my fights have been exciting, win or lose, candidates for fight of the night. A lot fans have been missing out."

Diaz puts his title on the line against Paul Daley. The buildup between two trash talkers — among the most notorious bad boys in MMA — had been surprisingly tame until the staredown after Friday’s weigh-ins.

Daley and Diaz stood nose-to-nose shouting obscenities until they were restrained by officials.

At least Daley made weight. He had missed the 170-pound mark in three of his past six fights.

Contact reporter Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5509.