A new bout has been added to the quickly growing Strikeforce Challengers 19 card. According to Strikeforce officials, Brian Melancon (5-2) will duel against promotional newcomer Felipe Portela (7-0) in a welterweight contest.
Fighting out of Paradigm Training Center in Houston, Texas, Melancon is looking to rebound after dropping a narrow split decision against Isaac Vallie-Flagg in his Strikeforce debut. Before the setback, the 29-year-old had won five of his previous six bouts, including a 60-second smashing of WEC-veteran Todd Moore.
Portela is a fast-rising undefeated prospect out of of the Arena Fight Team in San Diego, California. The 23-year-old Brazilian made waves in 2010, winning five fights throughout the year, while finishing opponents three times. He's continued his momentum thus far in 2011, submitting Christopher Ortega midway through the first round of their April bout.
Strikeforce Challengers 19 will take place September 23rd at The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event will also feature a light heavyweight matchup of Lorenz Larkin vs. Virgil Zwicker, and the return of Ryan Couture -- son of UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture.