Gilbert Melendez vs. Josh Thomson III Headed to Strikeforce May 19

Trilogies seem to be the theme of 2012 so add one more to the list.

On May 19, Gilbert Melendez will defend his Strikeforce lightweight title against old foe Josh Thomson as part of the upcoming event headed to San Jose.

Sources close to the bout confirmed the fight to MMAWeekly.com on Monday with verbal agreements in place. MMAJunkie.com first reported the bout.

Melendez and Thomson first met in June 2008 with the Strikeforce lightweight title on the line, and Thomson got the best of his old friend and training partner winning a unanimous decision.

A year and a half later, Melendez got his revenge by besting Thomson in the rematch also winning a unanimous decision.

Now the pair will meet for a third time coming up in May to settle the rivalry once and for all.

Melendez vs. Thomson III will be the co-headline feature on the May 19 card, with the main event pitting Josh Barnett vs. Daniel Cormier in the finals of the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix.

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