Nick Newell vs. Antonio Castillo Jr. set for CES 56

Nick Newell will make the walk to the cage once again.

On Thursday afternoon, CES MMA announced the man known as “Notorious” is set to return against Antonio Castillo Jr. at CES 56 on May 31 in Hartford.

Newell (14-2), a congenital amputee born without the lower portion of his left arm, has not competed since coming up short to Alex Munoz on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series in July 2018. Prior to this, fans saw the Connecticut native rattle off three straight victories under the WSOF and LFA banner.

Prior to this string of wins, Newell suffered his first professional defeat to current UFC lightweight contender and former WSOF champion Justin Gaethje.

Castillo (10-11) was expected to face Dylan Lockard on June 7 before being tabbed as a short-notice replacement for Kalvin Hackney against Newell.

In terms of competition, “Mexican Muscle” is looking to get back into the win column after dropping a decision to Dan Dubuque in March. Prior to this, Castillo suffered losses to Frank Caraballo, Adam King and Branden Seyler, Sr.

CES 56 will go down on May 31 at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, Conn.