Melendez-Masvidal, Cyborg Return Official for Dec. 17 Strikeforce

UFC fans will have to wait a little longer to see Gilbert Melendez inside the Octagon.

Strikeforce officials Tuesday formally announced that Melendez (Pictured) will defend his lightweight title against Jorge Masvidal on Dec. 17. The bout had previously been spoken of in August, but it was not made official until today.

Prior to Tuesday’s announcement, rumors had circulated that “El Nino” could possibly vacate his Strikeforce belt in favor of a UFC contract and a potential shot at Frankie Edgar’s lightweight championship. Even UFC President Dana White asserted recently that the Cesar Gracie product would come to the UFC sooner rather than later, leading many to wonder whether Masvidal would still receive his shot at the Strikeforce gold.

However, it appears that Zuffa has decided to keep Melendez where he is, at least for the time being. The 29-year-old Californian will meet Masvidal at Strikeforce’s Dec. 17 offering, which emanates from the Valley View Casino Center in San Diego.

Strikeforce has scheduled a press conference detailing the event for Thursday at 1 p.m. in San Diego. Melendez will be in attendance, as will women’s 145-pound champion Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos, who will defend her title against Jewels standout Hiroko Yamanaka at the event.

Rounding out the Showtime-televised card’s announced bouts is a light heavyweight clash between Dream champion Gegard Mousasi and former University of Tennessee linebacker Ovince St. Preux.