Gilbert Melendez Defends Title Against Pat Healy

STUDIO MMA, LOS ANGELES – Strikeforce confirms today that Gilbert Melendez, lightweight champion and top pound-for-pound fighter, will make his next title defense against veteran Pat Healy, on Sept. 29 at Sacramento’S Power Balance Pavilion at Strikeforce: Melendes vs. Healy.

“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.”

Gilbert Meldendez defended his belt against Josh Thompson at Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Cormier in May. Melendez defended his belt for the sixth consecutive time and beat Thompson via split decision. With a MMA record of 21-2, (11-1 Strikeforce) Melendez is ranked as the #3 lightweight fighter in the world by Sherdog and many sport enthusiasts want to see him in the UFC.

Pat Healy (28-16) fought earlier this month at Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Kennedy and won against Mizuto Hirota via unanimous decision. The decision was viewed as controversial as many felt Hirota won rounds one and two.
With five consecutive wins and Healy is the next man to challenge Melendez.

Tickets for STRIKEFORCE®: MELENDEZ vs. HEALY go on sale to the general public on Saturday, July 28 at 10 a.m. PT and are priced at $125, $90, $65 and $40. Tickets are available at the Power Balance Pavilion Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations, at Ticketmaster.com or 1-800-745-3000.