Source: Sherdog

Zuff LLC which owns the UFC and Strikeforce has to be cursed. Today, Strikeforce had to cancel its first card due to a shoulder injury to lightweight champ Gilbert Melendez. Melendez had to withdraw from his fight with Pat Healy which was supposed to go down this weekend in Sacramento, CA.

Tell me if this doesn’t sound familiar. Just earlier this month, the UFC had to cancel UFC 151 when Dan Henderson pulled out with an injury. A few days ago Frank Mir had to pull out of his fight with Daniel Cormier. The injury bug is starting to hit Strikeforce fighters. Zuffa just can’t catch a break.

Apparently, Melendez was sparring with Jake Shields when both of them fell down and Shields landed on Melendez causing him to separate his shoulder. The injury occurred 12 days ago but Melendez has still not been able to get the strength back in his shoulder so he had to call matchmaker Sean Shelby to let him know the bad news.

Supposedly, Strikeforce was ready to go on with the show but Showtime decided not to broadcast the fight without Melendez fighting forcing Strikeforce to cancel the card. Its unfortunate for those fighters who are going through what the UFC 151 fighters are going through. Strikeforce puts on so little shows as it is.

There isn’t much to say beyond that the injuries this year have decimated MMA cards. I am sure the UFC and Strikeforce are not alone in dealing with the injuries. While many point to the new insurance policy adopted by Zuffa, I just think guys are pushing each other too hard in camp and need to be more careful as they get closer to fight day.

Update 12/5/2012: Reportedly Gilbert Melendez is in early negotiations with the UFC to fight in the octagon. A lot of how the negotiations go depends on whether Melendez’s teammate Nate Diaz win the lightweight title. If Diaz wins, Melendez will consider moving to featherweight. If Diaz loses, Melendez will move to the UFC’s lightweight division.