Strikeforce announced today that lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez will indeed be defending his title against Jorge Masvidal on December 17 as originally planned. Per the promotion’s Twitter:
UFC President Dana White had talked last week about bringing Melendez into the UFC “asap” but apparently he’ll have to fight at least one more bout with Strikeforce before moving over to the big show.
Melendez (19-2) is currently ranked #3 in the world at lightweight according to the USA TODAY/MMA Nation Consensus Rankings. Masvidal (22-6) is currently ranked #20.