Gilbert Melendez
Melendez, Healy meet in Sept.
Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez has a challenger for this fall, as Pat Healy will step up as the division’s top contender.
MMAjunkie.com reported the news, and Strikeforce officials announced the contest this week.
The bout will serve as the main event of Strikeforce’s September event, “Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Healy.” The event takes place on September 29 in Sacramento, California.
Melendez last competed in May, when he met Josh Thomson in the third bout of their championship trilogy. Melendez edged out his rival on the scorecards, earning the split-decision nod.
He has not lost since 2008 and is currently on a seven-fight winning streak.
Meanwhile, Healy has won his past five contests, all under the Strikeforce banner, rising into the division’s upper tier. His last victory came in July against Mizuto Hirota.
Check out all our Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Healy news