Former Strikeforce champ Josh Thomson turned 40 this past month, and he’s been busy as a commentator for Bellator.

Thomson (22-9 MMA, 2-1 BMMA) hasn’t stepped into the cage since a February 2017 knockout loss against Patricky Freire at Bellator 172. But he isn’t ready to officially hang up his gloves.

“There are a couple fights that I would really like to get,” Thomson told MMAjunkie Radio. “And let’s not beat around the bush – there is a small chance that Gilbert Melendez may be free in one year. So you never know.

“But Gil and I, I feel like it would be great to do it in Bellator. Who knows. There’s so much that could happen between now and then, but I’ve got the utmost respect for Gil.”

Melendez (22-7 MMA, 1-5 UFC), of course, is currently signed to the UFC, where he’s scheduled to take on Arnold Allen (13-1 MMA, 4-0 UFC) at The Ultimate Fighter 28 Finale. The fight could determine whether he remains an active fighter.

Since signing with the industry-leader, Melendez has walked a rough road, losing five of six bouts in the octagon, including a pair of title shots against now-former champs Benson Henderson and Anthony Pettis.

In interview this past month with MMAjunkie, Melendez said another loss would force him to re-evaluate whether he wants to continue fighting. Although hesitant to use the word “retirement,” he indicated it could be his last trip to the cage for a long time.

“It will be hard to go on if I don’t succeed,” he said. “Even if I did come out with a victory, and I’m not happy with my performance, I’d probably have to consider everything.”

Thomson and Melendez share a long history inside the outside the cage. The Bay Area natives frequently trained together before they finally faced off the in the cage in the now-defunct Strikeforce. Thomson took the first bout via decision, taking the lightweight title. One year later, Melendez avenged the loss to reclaim the belt, and he won a rubber match in 2012 to go up 2-1 in the rivalry.

At the time, the matchup was among the most competitive in Strikeforce’s history and helped elevate the promotion’s profile.

Thomson wants to even the score before he calls it quits.

For more on Bellator’s upcoming schedule, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.

MMAjunkie Radio broadcasts Monday-Friday at 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m. PT) live from Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino’s Race & Sports Book. The show is hosted by “Gorgeous” George Garcia, Brian “Goze” Garcia and Dan Tom. For more information or to download past episodes, go to www.mmajunkie.com/radio.