A victorious Pat Healy (photo: Esther Lin / Strikeforce)

By FCF Staff

According to multiple reports, Pat Healy will fight Strikeforce newcomer Kurt Holobaugh at the promotion’s upcoming January 12th card, after having another title shot withdrawn due to the shoulder injury of lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez.

The bout, which will be part of Strikeforce’s final event in Oklahoma City, is being reported by MMA Junkie and MMA Weekly.

Healy (28-16) hasn’t competed since July, when he worked his way to a unanimous decision victory over Mizuto Hirota to extend his winning streak to five.

The 29 year-old vet was tapped for title fights with Melendez in September and then January, but the champion’s aforementioned injury prevented the bouts from taking place.

Holobaugh (7-0) went undefeated in three fights during 2012, winning all of them via submission. The Gracie Barra fighter turned pro in 2011.

The January 12th Strikeforce event will be broadcast on Showtime and will feature welterweight champion Nate Marquardt taking on Tarec Saffiedine.