Josh Thomson Suffers Knee Injury | Fight With Gilbert Melendez in Jeopardy

By Evan Stoumbelis
According to reports former Strikeforce Lightweight champion Josh Thomson has suffered a torn PCL, (Posterior Cruciate Ligament) which is one of 4 major ligaments in the knee. With the recent news of his injury, his upcoming title fight with Gilbert Melendez is now in question.

Below are tweets posted by Guerilla journalist Front Row Brian, courtesy of MMA.tv

Brian ‏ @FrontRowBrian
—Breaking— Josh Thomson has suffered a knee injury and his fight with Gilbert Melendez on 5/19 is in jeopardy @Strikeforce

Brian ‏ @FrontRowBrian
BREAKING •••Update••• Josh Thomson has suffered a Torn PCL.

Brian ‏ @FrontRowBrian
I don’t think Pat Healy would agree to a 5 round title fight on 5.19. More likely in Portland July 14.

Brian ‏ @FrontRowBrian
@therealpunk, the warrior he is, still wants to fight Gil. Highly unlikely with a Torn PCL

As much as I would love to see Melendez vs Thomson, the chances of this bout happening are slim to none. Given that the full recovery time from a PCL tear (after surgical treatment) is 6-12 months and the bout is scheduled for May 19th, regarless of how bad Thomson wants to fight, I can’t see it happening. One solid leg kick and Thomson would crumple to the mat, and nobody wants to see that happen.