Cris Cyborg to defend belt / Photo: Esther Lin
This Saturday, Strikeforce will be bringing the 2011 season to a close in San Diego, California. In the evening’s main event, Gilbert Melendez will defend his lightweight crown against Jorge Masvidal.
Melendez, black belt Cesar Gracie’s trusty sidekick, has his eyes on a UFC contract. Now Masvidal has 22 wins in 28 career fights.
I think it’s inevitable I’m heading there [to the UFC]. I’m an entertaining fighter, I put on good shows and they see that. I’m just really happy that they’re recognizing me. Any time Dana White mentions my name it’s awesome,” Melendez told MMAWeekly.com.
Now Cris Cyborg will be putting her welterweight belt on the line against Japan’s Hiroko Yamanaka. The Brazilian is coming off a 10-fight win streak, while Hiroko hasn’t tasted defeat since 2008.
In other match-ups on the card, Gegard Mousasi takes on Haiti’s Ovince Saint-Preuxe, and KJ Noons squares off with Billy Evangelista.
Check out the card:
Strikeforce Melendez vs Masvidal
San Diego, USA
December 17, 2011
Gilbert Melendez vs Jorge Masvidal
Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos vs Hiroko Yamanaka
Gegard Mousasi vs Ovince St. Preux
K.J. Noons vs Billy Evangelista
Justin Wilcox vs Caros Fodor
Roger Bowling vs Jerron Peoples
Devin Cole vs Gabriel Salinas-Jones
Fernando Gonzalez vs Eddie Mendez
Herman Terrado vs Chris Brown