Strikeforce Results: What We Learned from Melendez vs. Thomson

On Saturday night, in the co-main event of the Strikeforce Grand Prix Finals in San Jose, CA, Gilbert Melendez looked to defend his Strikeforce lightweight title and win the trilogy with Josh Thomson.

Melendez was in danger in the fourth round, and Thomson nearly finished him, but in the end Melendez pulled out the split-decision victory.

Here's what we learned from the bout.

What We'll Remember about This Fight

The near finish by Thomson in Round 4. In the fourth round with less than a minute to go, Thomson took the back of Melendez and locked in a body triangle and was working for the rear-naked choke. The sequence was easily the closest the fight was to being finished.

What We Learned about Melendez

Nothing we didn't already know. Melendez is a top fighter, and has good striking, wrestling and BJJ. He would fit right in in the UFC lightweight division.

What We Learned about Thomson

He's a lot more game than many were expecting. Most were expecting Melendez to absolutely rush through Thomson, but Thomson proved that he belongs in there with the best of them. He'll fit in the UFC lightweight division too.

What's Next for Melendez

Either the UFC, or a fight against a UFC fighter. There's nothing left for him in Strikeforce.

What's Next for Thomson

He's in the same position as Melendez, as there's not a lot left in Strikeforce for either fighter.

Tim McTiernan is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. For the latest news on everything MMA, follow him on twitter @TimMcTiernan.