World Series of Fighting heavyweight contender Andrei Arlovski has once again joined the ranks of the UFC.
UFC President Dana White tweeted the news yesterday afternoon:
Arlovski hasn’t fought under the UFC banner since March 2008, where he scored a TKO victory over Jake O’Brien at UFC 82.
After a rough patch where he was winless in four straight knockouts between January 2009 and February 2011, “The Pitbull” has undergone a career resurgence, compiling a 6-1(1) record since then.
The ex-UFC heavyweight champion last competed at the small Russian show Fight Nights: Battle in Minsk in November, notching a round 2 TKO over Andreas Kraniotakes.
While an opponent for his return to the Octagon has not been formally announced, MMA Junkie reports that Arlovski will likely fight Brendan Schaub at UFC 174 in June.
Schaub is currently on a two-fight win streak, most recently choking out Matt Mitrione at UFC 165 in September.
Will the 35-year-old Arlovski be able to return to the elite of the UFC’s heavyweight division or are his best days inside the cage long behind him?