Hallman (39-12-2), the only fighter not named Georges St-Pierre to hold two wins over Matt Hughes, will fight local fighter Danny Ruiz (5-3) in a light-heavyweight bout. Hallman's most recent fight was a victory via heel hook over Jeremiah Metcalf at a Strikeforce event in November 2007.
Ruiz opened his MMA career with five straight wins but has gone winless since. Ruiz holds a first-round armbar win over "The Ultimate Fighter 7" cast member Luke Zachrich.
Thomas (23-8) will take on Midwest fighter Gabe Lemley (13-8), whose most high-profile fight was a loss against Gilbert Melendez at Strikeforce "Shamrock vs. Le" in March 2008.
Thomas left the UFC in April 2008 after consecutive losses to Kenny Florian and Josh Neer. Last month, the American Top Team lightweight headlined a local show in Columbia, Missouri and submitted Dustin Pierkin with a triangle choke in the first round.
"March Badness" is promoted by Roy Jones Jr.'s Square Rings Promotions, Inc. in association with Hirsch Borao Boxing and the Pensacola Civic Center. The main card will air live on pay-per-view ($29.95) at 9:00 p.m. ET.
FIGHT CARD:
- Roy Jones Jr. vs. Omar Sheika (Boxing)
- Roy Nelson vs. Jeff Monson (MMA)
- BJ Flores vs. Jose Luis Herrera (Boxing)
- Bobby Lashley vs. Jason Guida (MMA)
- Din Thomas vs. Gabe Lemley (MMA)
- Dennis Hallman vs. Danny Ruiz (MMA)
Get the latest gear
