Report: Gilbert Melendez Out Of Planned January Title Fight

Multiple reports are stating that Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez will not compete in January. UFC president Dana White remarked during a fan chat on Montreal Gazette Friday that he heard Melendez had suffered another injury.

Melendez (21-2) was expected to meet Pat Healy back in September, but that fight was cancelled after he suffered an injury to his shoulder. Melendez and Healy were re-booked as the main event for January and the Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Healy card from Oklahoma.

The Brazilian news source Tatame has since confirmed the report with Cesar Gracie, the coach for Melendez.

"We will focus on his recovery," Gracie said. "With the end of the show, he should migrate to the UFC."

Melendez is likely to enter the ranks of the UFC, but it could come at a different weight class. He has stated he will not face teammate Nate Diaz, who is set to compete for the UFC 155-pound title in December against Benson Henderson.

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