Tatsuya Kawajiri has revenge on his mind coming into this rematch against Melendez after being beat for his title five years ago. He is also fighting for the 1st time in 35 pro fights outside of Japan and that will be hard to adjust to with fighters being creatures of habit.
Gilbert comes into this fight flying high knowing he already beat Kawajiri when he was a lesser fighter in Kawajiri's back yard of Japan. As he is Defending his Strike Force Lightweight Title in his own backyard in front of all his family and friends should be very motivating. Gilbert is 2-0 in all revenge matches with opponents that he has lost too. His stand-up since getting picked apart by Josh Thompson the 1st fight has improved by leaps and bounds and he looks so much more comfortable on his feet these days.
