With Melendez out, Masvidal vs Healy now targeted for “Strikeforce: Champions” event | MMA News

With Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez out with an injury, #1 contender Pat Healy (28-16 MMA, 6-1 SF) will now face Jorge Masvidal (23-7 MMA, 5-1 SF) at the “Strikeforce: Champions” event set for January 12, 2013.

 Healy, who earned his title shot with a unanimous-decision win over Mizuto Hirota at July’s “Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Kennedy” event, has now won 5 straight fights. Prior to the victory over Hirota, Healy had earned submission wins over Maximo Blanco and Caros Fodor.

Masvidal also fought on July’s “Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Kennedy” card, where he returned to his winning ways by defeating Justin Wilcox via decision. Prior to that bout, the American Top Team product, Masvidal, had fought Gilbert Melendez for the lightweight title, he lost that contest via decision.

“Strikeforce: Champions” takes place on January 12, 2013 at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City.