Pat Healy will be fighting on Strikeforce’s Jan. 12 event, however, not for the promotion’s lightweight title.
With Gilbert Melendez not healthy enough to defend his belt against “Bam Bam,” Healy will now meet former title contender Jorge Masvidal at what is believed to be the promotion’s final event. MMA Fighting confirmed the new fight with sources close to the event after MMA Junkie first reported it earlier this week.
Healy (28-16), who has been training in Hawaii with B.J. Penn lately, has won his last five fights in a row. He most recently defeated Mizuto Hirota via unanimous decision in July to earn the title shot. Healy vs. Melendez was originally scheduled for Sept. 29, however, a shoulder injury forced “El Nino” out of the bout. That same injury has sidelined him for the Jan. 12 event, as well.
Masvidal (23-7) got back on the winning track in July when he defeated Justin Wilcox via split decision. “Gamebred” lost a Strikeforce lightweight title fight to Melendez last December.
Also scheduled for Strikeforce’s Jan. 12 event is Nate Marquardt vs. Tarec Saffiedine for the welterweight title, Daniel Cormier vs. Dion Staring and Gegard Mousasi vs. Mike Kyle.
The event, which will take place at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, will air on Showtime and Showtime Extreme.