A heavyweight match-up is the latest addition to Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal. According to reports from MMA Junkie, undefeated newcomer Gabriel Salinas-Jones (5-0-1) is slated to meet Devin Cole (19-9-1) at San Diego's Valley View Casino Center in December. The bout has yet to be finalized, but verbal agreements are said to be in place.
Salinas-Jones, a submission specialist from Lombard, Illinois, looks to continue his early success after kicking off his professional career with five straight victories, all by way of finish. The 27-year-old last fought in July, where he defeated Bryan Humes via third round brabo choke in his Strikeforce debut.
Meanwhile, Cole enters the cage for the first time since snapping a two-fight losing streak with a win over Shawn Jordan at Strikeforce Challengers 17. Previously the Team Quest-product dropped contests to heavyweight grand prix finalist Daniel Cormier and UFC veteran Aaron Rosa. A nine-year veteran of the fight game, Cole has stood across a litany of notable opponents, including Rafael Cavalcante, Ben Rothwell, Krzysztof Soszynski, Mike Kyle, Jeff Monson, and Travis Wiuff.
'Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal' takes place December 17th at the Valley View Casino Center in San Diego, California. Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez defends his title against number-one contender Jorge Masvidal in the night's main event.
'Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal' fight card:
Lightweight Championship: Gilbert Melendez vs. Jorge Masvidal
Women's Featherweight Championship: Cristiane Santos vs. Hiroko Yamanaka
Light Heavyweight: Gegard Mousasi vs. Ovince St. Preux
Lightweight: K.J. Noons vs. Billy Evangelista
Lightweight: Caros Fodor vs. Justin Wilcox
Heavyweight: Devin Cole vs. Gabriel Salinas-Jones