Strikeforce: Gilbert Melendez Takes On Jorge Masvidal For Lightweight Title

Strikeforce Lightweight Champion Gilbert Melendez is back in action this Saturday night as he headlines Strikeforce's final card of 2011. The card takes place from the Valley View Casino Center in San Diego, California, and will be televised on Showtime. 

Jorge Masvidal (22-6) will try to dethrone Melendez who has been lightweight champion since 2009. Masvidal is coming off a victory against K.J. Noons last June. Masvidal is on a two fight win streak and is undefeated in Strikeforce. 

Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos will defend her 145-pound women's title in the co-main event Saturday. Santos (10-1) faces Hiroko Yamanaka (12-1) of Japan. Santos won the inaugural 145-pound women's title in 2009 over Gina Carano and has defended her title twice. Santos has not fought since June 2010, Yamanaka is making her Strikeforce debut. 

Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal has a four bout main card that begins at 10 PM Arizona time on Showtime. The full card is listed below. 

Main Card (Showtime):

Strikeforce Lightweight Title: Gilbert Melendez vs. Jorge Masvidal 

Strikeforce Women's Featherweight Title: Cristiane Santos vs. Hiroko Yamanaka 

Light Heavyweight: Gegard Mousasi vs. Ovince St. Preux

Lightweight: KJ Noons vs. Billy Evangelista 

Preliminary Card:

Welterweight: Jerron Peoples vs. Roger Bowling 

Lightweight: Caros Fodor vs. Justin Wilcox 

Heavyweight: Devin Cole vs. Gabriel Salinas-Jones 

Light Heavyweight: Fernando Gonzalez vs. Eddie Mendez 

Welterweight: Chris Brown vs. Herman Terrado