Former heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski is set to return to the UFC after spending more than six years away from the Octagon.
Arlovski will face Brendan Schaub at UFC 174 in Vancouver, the UFC confirmed with Sportsnet Friday.
The last time Arlovski fought in the UFC was in March 2008 when he picked up a TKO win over Jake O’Brien at UFC 82. Arlovski’s UFC contract expired following that win and he chose to sign with the now-defunct Affliction promotion. Arlovski also competed for EliteXC, Strikeforce, ProElite and ONE FC during his time outside the UFC. Since 2012 he has primarily competed with World Series of Fighting.
Arlovski’s contract with WSOF had recently expired despite the 35-year-old having one fight remaining on the deal, but WSOF executive VP and matchmaker Ali Abdelaziz granted Arlovski his release so he could pursue a UFC comeback.
Arlovski (21-10, 1 NC) is riding a two-fight win streak including a knockout of Andreas Kraniotakes at Fight Night: Battle on Nyamiha in his last outing — his first pro MMA bout in his native Belarus.
Seven of Arlovski’s 10 career losses have been by knockout, but the talented striker hasn’t been finished since 2011. He holds notable wins over Fabricio Werdum, Roy Nelson, Ben Rothwell and Tim Sylvia.
