By Kelsey Mowatt

Caros “The Future” Fodor couldn’t have asked for a better way to demonstrate that he is a considerable threat in the here-and-now Saturday night, as the lightweight knocked out fellow Strikeforce contender Justin Wilcox in just 13 seconds to cap off a banner year. With the win, not only did Fodor extend his win streak to five, but he became the first man to defeat Wilcox in eight fights.

“I’m so happy and grateful that things fell together the way they did,” Fodor told FCF. “Justin’s an extremely tough guy and he’s got a lot to show. It was kind of a rough night for him but I’m just so happy that everything worked out the way it did.”

After Fodor reportedly sprawled and defended a takedown attempt from Wilcox just seconds in, he finished his opponent off with a series of punches for the dramatic win.

“I trained really hard for a three round battle, because I thought it was going to go to a decision,” said Fodor. “I was just going to try to push the pace, stay on my feet and not let him grind me out, but when I caught him like that, I don’t know, it was great. I’m still not really over it yet; I’m on cloud nine.”

While Fodor is understandably ecstatic about what is the biggest win in his career to date, unfortunately, not many people throughout the MMA world have seen the fight yet.

“A little bit, it’s kind of disappointing,” said Fodor, while discussing the fact that his victory was not included in Saturday’s Showtime broadcast. “They were going to air it on TV that night, as they filmed us walking out, and they interviewed us and stuff, but the boxing match that was on before Strikeforce went over, so it cut out the allotted time. They said they will release it on the website or when it comes out on Showtime on Demand it will be in there.”

Heading into Saturday’s bout, Fodor acknowledged that a win over Wilcox would do a lot to further his position in the title shot mix, and with the prompt victory one would think he’s arrived.

“I think it does. If I don’t get the title shot right now I think I’m probably one fight away from one,” Fodor noted. “That’s kind of what I was gathering while I was down there. I think if Justin would have beaten me he would have gotten the title shot, so me beating him just really confirms that I belong with the top contenders.”

Of course, Strikeforce’s lightweight title picture has been in the spotlight as of late, particularly due to the recent news that champion Gilbert Melendez will be staying with the promotion for the foreseeable future. Now that Melendez has defended his title again, with a unanimous decision win over Jorge Masvidal Saturday, debate as to whether Strikeforce has someone within its ranks that can legitimately challenge the champ continues.

“A little bit,” said Fodor, when asked if it bothers him that many observers are questioning whether Strikeforce has a viable challenger for Melendez. “I understand that a lot of people never saw the Challengers Series, aside from hardcore MMA fans, so I am kind of an unknown. Especially fans who only watch the UFC don’t know who I am, so if they want to see Gilbert fight Frankie Edgar, Ben Henderson and stuff, I can understand that, but it is kind of frustrating.”

“Hopefully they’ll start promoting Strikeforce a little bit more, getting it more publicity, and I’m just going to try to keep busting out wins,” Fodor added. “If I do get that title shot I’ll definitely put on a good fight for Melendez. He won’t run through me. I can guarantee that. I will definitely be a worthy opponent when I get that shot.”

Photo via carosfodor.com