Strikeforce
Strikeforce targeting Gina Carano's return, Lightweight Title bout between Gilbert Melendez and Jorge Masvidal for December event
Aug 21, 2011 - 6:05:24 PM Strikeforce targeting Gina Carano's return, Lightweight Title bout between Gilbert Melendez and Jorge Masvidal for December event

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

Strikeforce's next major event comes to Ohio this September, but they are now beginning plans for another major card in December to close out the year.

According to a note from Dave Meltzer at WrestlingObserver.com, the organization is targeting a December date for their next event after September, and it could feature a Lightweight Championship bout between Gilbert Melendez and Jorge Masvidal, as well as the return of women's MMA star Gina Carano.

The Melendez-Masvidal bout has been talked about for some time, but it appears they're closing in an actual date for the fight with this event. Melendez will look to win his sixth straight fight, and hopes to make his third straight title defense after unifying his then-interim title with Josh Thomson in their rematch.

Masvidal gets his shot at the belt after posting back to back decision wins over Billy Evangelista and K.J. Noons. The win over Noons was especially impressive, as Masvidal nearly stopped him on a number of occasions in the fight, putting on his most impressive career performance.

Carano would fight for the first time in over two years is she makes it to the card. The one time "face of women's MMA" was supposed to return in June, but a mysterious ailment caused her doctor to pull her from her fight.

Penick's Analysis: The Lightweight Title fight and the return of Gina Carano would be great pieces to this December event for Strikeforce. The future of the organization on Showtime isn't clear right now, but they can close out 2011 with a strong card, and having Carano and this title fight would be a major way to start.

[Gina Carano art by Cory Gould (c) MMATorch.com]