Healy choking Beerbohm (photo via Strikeforce / Showtime)

By FCF Staff

After much speculation and debate over the last few months, as to who Gilbert Melendez will fight next, Strikeforce has announced that he will defend his lightweight title against the resurgent Pat Healy on September 29^th.

Healy (28-16) has been rewarded for his five fight win streak that includes victories over established fighters like Caros Fodor, Lyle Beerbohm, Maximo Blanco and most recently, Mizuto Hirota.

“There’s no doubt that Gilbert Melendez is one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, but he’s facing a tough test when he defends the Strikeforce lightweight title against Pat Healy in Sacramento,” Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker said. “Pat has been around the sport a long time and has put together an impressive winning streak. This is the biggest fight of his life and he doesn’t want to waste this opportunity.”

Melendez (21-2) hasn’t competed since May when he worked his way to a split decision over Josh Thomson to take their rubber match series. The Cesar Gracie trained fighter is riding a seven fight win streak that also includes victories over Shinya Aoki, Tatsuya Kawajiri, Rodrigo Damm, Mitsuhiro Ishida and Jorge Masvidal.

The September 29^th event will be hosted the Power Balance Pavilion in Sacramento, California.

Heavyweight Grand Prix winner Daniel Cormier is also expected to compete on the card, however, no opponent has been confirmed.

The event will be broadcast on Showtime.