Former Strikeforce owner Scott Coker and fighter Gilbert Melendez are teaming up to launch a new mixed martial arts organization called Fight Night at the Tech, with Melendez serving as a spokesperson and ambassador for the brand.
Gilbert Melendez didn’t see it coming. After Strikeforce sold in 2011 and later closed, he never thought he’d be working with Scott Coker again. Coker, the former owner, was a significant figure in Melendez’s career.
Now, they’re joining forces. They’re launching a new organization, Fight Night at the Tech. It’s a blend of seasoned fighters and new talent, competing near the old Strikeforce stomping grounds.
Melendez is thrilled. He’s not just a fighter this time, but a spokesperson and ambassador for this new brand. Working with Coker again? Feels like a dream.
“Scott and I, we go way back,” Melendez shared with MMA Fighting. “He’s been to my wedding. He promoted me, and my wife, before we even knew each other. We’re tight. When I heard about Bellator ending, I knew Scott might want to take a break. But we’re both fighters. We started brainstorming, maybe I’d fight again, maybe we’d do something else. I pushed him to work with me, even suggested some fight stuff. I’m ready to step into that avenue and see what I can do.”
After many discussions, Coker decided to bring martial arts back to the Bay Area. There’s so much talent there, and he feels it’s his duty to revive Bay Area mixed martial arts. He chose Melendez. He wanted him to lead, to be a spokesperson and ambassador. And so, here they are.
Coker, the executive producer, co-owned Strikeforce. He was president in Bellator for nearly a decade. That role ended when PFL bought out Bellator, but Coker chose not to stick around.
Instead, he’s partnering with Melendez on Fight Night at the Tech. The first card is set for May 18, with plans to promote at least four cards per year.
Melendez feels like he’s going back to his roots. “Scott brought so much to the community. We were all competing, trying to kill each other, but he created an essential ecosystem. I understand that. Scott’s good at creating a place where we can all compete, eat, challenge each other. It’s necessary.”
Coker discovered many fighters and gave them a chance to launch their careers. Now, Melendez gets to do the same with this new organization.
“It’s a full-circle moment,” Melendez explained. “For me, and for the community. I’m in this giving stage for my community. I’ve been a coach, I’ve been to these events. I see Cain Velasquez, Urijah Faber, Dave Terrell. We’re all coaches now. It’s full circle. I get to step into Scott Coker’s shoes. I’ve always recognized his importance, and I’ve always played the game right.”
Melendez has a great relationship with Coker. He’s been a fighter, a coach, an analyst, a commentator. He loves this sport and wants to be in it till he dies. He wants the best seat in the house, and that’s where Scott always is.
When Melendez first talked to Coker about working together, he hinted at a potential return to action. He last fought in 2019 before leaving the UFC. He may not want a full-time fight schedule, especially with all his other commitments, but he still sees a return to action in his future.
“I do want to fight,” Melendez said. “I stay in shape. I train with my team. But right now, I’m in the giving stage of my life. I know my fight career is done. I’d love to fight for myself now, just for fun.”
The giving stage involves the next generation of fighters. Coker once gave Melendez opportunities when he was competing under the Strikeforce banner. Now Melendez wants to do the same for fighters in California.
“We believe there are a lot of diamonds in the rough out here,” Melendez said. “There are established fighters, veterans who really paved the way. They keep the fire alive for Bay Area martial arts. Scott, me, and the team, we want to highlight them.”