Lando Vannata returns against David Teymur at UFC 209

Two exciting young lightweight prospects will square off when Lando Vannata, fresh off a 'Knockout of the Year' candidate at UFC 206, returns to fight TUF 22 alumnus David Teymur on March 4 at UFC 209. The UFC announced the bout Wednesday.

Vannata (9-1) is one of the most intriguing prospects to emerge this year in the 155-pound division.

The 24-year-old Jackson-Winkeljohn product burst onto the scene in July, nearly scoring one of the biggest upsets of the year before losing a back-and-forth contest to top contender Tony Ferguson on short notice at UFC Fight Night 91. Vannata then bounced back in a major way, knocking out UFC veteran John Makdessi with a highlight-reel spinning wheel kick in less than two minutes at UFC 206.

He'll now look to continue his climb against Teymur (5-1), a 27-year-old Swedish prospect who has racked up back-to-back stoppage wins in the UFC since his run to the quarterfinals of TUF 22. Both of those wins came via second-round knockout, with Teymur first defeating Martin Svensson in February, then besting Jason Novelli in August at UFC Fight Night 92.

UFC 209 takes place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event is also tentatively scheduled to feature a heavyweight bout between Alistair Overeem and Mark Hunt, although that fight remains in limbo due to Hunt's contract situation with the UFC.