Each day, The MMA Corner will provide a recap of event announcements, fight matchups, and injuries/cancellations from throughout the world of MMA.

Gilbert Melendez vs. Jorge Masvidal targeted for December

A lightweight bout has been targeted for Dec. 17 as Strikeforce champion Gilbert Melendez (19-2 MMA, 9-1 SF) will take on Jorge Masvidal (22-6 MMA, 4-0 SF).

The champ will make his third appearance since winning the belt while Masvidal earns the title shot with two consecutive wins.

No location or venue where the event will take place has been named thus far.

Source: MMAJunkie
Charles Oliveira signs new four-fight deal with UFC

Despite losing two-straight fights in the promotion, Charles Oliveira (14-2 MMA, 2-2 UFC) will remain with the UFC.

It was reported that “do Bronx” has signed a four-fight deal.

Oliveira most recently fought at UFC Live 5, where he was defeated by Donald Cerrone by first-round TKO.

His team is considering moving Oliveira to his more suitable weight class of 145 pounds, but is not an official move just yet.

Source: MMAJunkie
Chris Cisneros Replaces Injured Rick Hawn in Bellator 49 Quarterfinal Bout

Bellator confirmed on Saturday that Chris Cisneros will replace Rick Hawn in the promotion’s upcoming Season 5 Welterweight Tournament.

Hawn went down due to a knee injury while training and will not be able to compete.

Cisneros steps into the promotion with a record of 11-3, including having won five fights in a row. A skilled striker and kickboxer, Cisneros has competed well in the Hawaiian MMA circuit and is looking to show off his skills with Bellator.

He will get his chance on Sept. 10 as he faces Ben Saunders in opening round action.

Source: MMAWeekly
War Machine planning Oct. 15 return against Gideon Ray

‘The War Machine’ Jon Koppenhaver announced on his Twitter account saying, “It’s signed! My comeback fight will be vs. Gideon Ray on October 15th in Chicago, Illinois at the Odeum Sports and Expo Center! Can’t wait!”

War Machine recently served one year in jail, but is now ready to return to the cage.

His return will take place in the Chicago Cagefighting Championship.

Koppenhaver competed in The Ultimate Fighter Season 6 and has an MMA record of 11-3.

Source: Twitter

Photo: Gilbert Melendez (MMAJunkie)

About The Author

Corey Adams
Staff Writer

Corey Adams didn't grow up watching mixed martial arts, considering the UFC was just getting started the year he was born, but in his teenage years, witnessed the action and has fallen in love with the sport. Corey was the first to join The MMA Corner staff -- other than founder Josh Davis -- and has been writing for the site ever since. Corey attends Austin Peay State University, where he majors in Communications with a focus on journalism. When he's not covering MMA, Corey is still writing on many sports with both local and campus newspapers. His favorite sports teams are the Atlanta Braves and Denver Broncos. Follow him on Twitter at the link below.