UPDATED: Gilbert Melendez to Fight April 11 For Strikeforce

Strikeforce's April 11 event is continuing to take shape now that the ProElite/EliteXC deal has been finalized, which has left fans optimistic for solid MMA shows in the United States outside of the UFC.

Gilbert Melendez (14-2), who is a former Strikeforce lightweight champion but lost the title to Josh Thomson, is scheduled to fight on the April 11 card.  The event will take place at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif., which has served as the home for many Strikeforce events. 

Melendez's contract was up in the air but was one of 40 contracts purchased by Strikeforce from ProElite.

According to Graciefighter.com, Melendez's opponent will be announced in less than two weeks.  Although he's been out of action since a 2008 loss last June to Thomson, he's been training with the likes of Nick and Nate Diaz and Jake Shields.  He's 1-2 in his last three fights, with one victory against Gabe Lemley and losses to Thomson and Mitsuhiro Ishida.

During a conference call, Strikeforce promoter Scott Coker said a rematch with Ishida is possible, or a clash with former UFC fighter Jorge Gurgel could take place in April.