Keri Melendez set for pro mixed martial arts debut at Bellator 165

San Jose's SAP Center has been the site of many of Gilbert Melendez's greatest career moments. It was his unofficial home base as Strikeforce lightweight champion before making the jump to the UFC.

But on Nov. 19, it will be another Melendez's turn to take center stage in the San Jose cage. Keri Melendez, Gilbert's wife, will make her mixed martial arts debut on Nov. 19 at Bellator 165.

Melendez (0-0) will meet Sheila Padilla (2-0) in a main card flyweight bout, which was initially reported by MMAJunkie.com.

Melendez is no stranger to combat sports. She has a 4-1 pro kickboxing record, which includes victories on both Bellator: Dynamite cards. Her opponent, Padilla, is from Visalia, Calif. and has won both of her fights by decision.

Bellator also announced a lightweight prelim contest on Wednesday, pitting the Blackzilians' Carrington Banks (5-0) against Jake Roberts (7-0), a Missourian with six career finishes.