Jorge Masvidal steps in for Gilbert Melendez against Pat Healy at 'Strikeforce: Champions' event

With GIlbert Melendez unable to fight at Strikeforce’s final show, the organization has found a replacement for number one contender Pat Healy.

Former number one contender Jorge Masvidal has stepped in to take Melendez’ place against Healy on the  January 12 fight card.

Healy (28-16) is on a tear, winning five straight fights in Strikeforce. He earned the lightweight title shot with a unanimous-decision win over Mizuto Hirota at “Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Kennedy” back in July.

Masvidal (23-7) is 3-1 in Strikeforce with wins over Billy Evangelista, K.J. Noons and most recently Justin Wilcox also at “Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Kennedy”. His lone loss in the organization comes at the hands of the champ, Gilbert Melendez.

“Gamebred” was expected to face Bobby Green at the November 3 Strikeforce event, but that card was cancelled due to injuries.

‘Strikeforce: Champions’ is set to go down on January 12 from the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City. The main event will feature a welterweight title fight between champ Nate Marquardt and challenger Tarec Saffiedine.

(Photo courtesy of Sherdog)