Strikeforce champ Melendez faces Healy

Gilbert Melendez is an underdog in the main event, but he could surprise, while his frequent opponent Josh Thomson has a chance to turn some heads too against Nate Diaz.

Gilbert Melendez will look to defend his Strikeforce lightweight title for a fifth consecutive time as he takes on Pat Healy on Sept. 29.

Melendez recently beat Josh Thomson and Healy beat Mizuto Hirota to earn a title shot.

“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 in a press release. “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.”

Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Healy takes place at the Power Balance Pavilion in Sacramento, Calif. Tickets for the event go on sale this week.

Sportsnet.ca no longer supports comments.