Former UFC welterweight Josh Burkman will fight for the first time in nearly 13 months when he headlines a local "Throwdown Showdown" card on Nov. 20 in Orem, Utah.
FanHouse confirmed with the promoter earlier this week that Burkman (18-8) has signed to face another former UFC competitor, The Ultimate Fighter 5's Brandon Melendez (22-14) in a catchweight bout at 180 pounds.
Beginning as a cast member on The Ultimate Fighter 2, Burkman went on to compete at 10 straight UFC events from November 2005 until October 2008, when he left on three straight losses to Mike Swick, Dustin Hazelett and Pete Sell. Despite the losing streak, Burkman maintains a .500 record inside the Octagon.
After the release, Burkman, 29, was intent on taking at least a year off to rehabilitate a back and neck injury that had played a part in his loss to Sell.
Burkman now trains at the Throwdown Elite Training Center in Utah and is hoping for a return to the UFC Octagon with a win over Melendez.
FanHouse confirmed with the promoter earlier this week that Burkman (18-8) has signed to face another former UFC competitor, The Ultimate Fighter 5's Brandon Melendez (22-14) in a catchweight bout at 180 pounds.
Beginning as a cast member on The Ultimate Fighter 2, Burkman went on to compete at 10 straight UFC events from November 2005 until October 2008, when he left on three straight losses to Mike Swick, Dustin Hazelett and Pete Sell. Despite the losing streak, Burkman maintains a .500 record inside the Octagon.
After the release, Burkman, 29, was intent on taking at least a year off to rehabilitate a back and neck injury that had played a part in his loss to Sell.
Burkman now trains at the Throwdown Elite Training Center in Utah and is hoping for a return to the UFC Octagon with a win over Melendez.