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Saki
Thumbnail from UFC YouTube/Gokhan Saki post-fight interview.

Gökhan Saki makes a quick return to the Octagon. “Turkish Tyson” is scheduled to fight on December 30 against Khalil Rountree at UFC 219.

The UFC announced the match-up on Monday through Twitter.

Saki faced a baptism in the cage last month in Japan. “The Rebel” beat Henrique da Silva at UFC Fight Night 117 by first-round knockout in a standup-heavy affair. Afterwards, Saki announced on The MMA Hour he would move his training camp to the United States.

The UFC announced the signing of Saki last May, despite an MMA record of 0-1. Shortly before, the kickboxing legend announced his retirement from kickboxing after 96 bouts on Facebook after a bust-up with GLORY.

Upcoming opponent Rountree has won his last two fights. The American had a false start in the UFC after he reached the final of the 23rd season of The Ultimate Fighter, in which he lost to Andrew Sanchez. Following that he suffered another loss to Tyson Pedro, who subbed him by rear-naked choke in the first round.

“The War Horse” redeemed himself in his last two fights by knocking out Daniel Jolly and Paul Craig after that in Glasgow last July, both in the first round.

UFC 219 is scheduled to take place on December 30 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Other announced matchups include the return of Carlos Condit against Neil Magny and for UFC champ Dominick Cruz against bantamweight contender Jimmie Rivera.