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Cirkunov
Credit: Fight Network/Youtube

It looked as if Misha Cirkunov‘s time with the UFC was done, but not only has the Canadian re-signed, but he is now set to face Volkan Oezdemir in the co-main event of the promotion’s return to Sweden.

The bout, which was announced by the UFC earlier today, sees two Light Heavyweights who have yet to taste defeat inside the octagon collide on May 28.

Light-heavyweight prospect Cirkunov re-signs after difficult negotiations

Cirkunov (13-2), who is Canadian by way of Latvia, has been on a tear since joining the UFC in 2015. In four fights, he has succeeded in stopping all of his opponents, going into the third round just once. His most recent outing saw the 30-year-old submit fellow prospect Nikita Krylov in his home town of Toronto at UFC 206.

However, back in February, Cirkunov, along with Lorenz Larkin and Rick Story were unexpectedly removed from the UFC’s official rankings, and it appeared as though his time with the organisation was over. The story took another twist earlier this month as UFC President Dana White did an 180 and announced that Cirkunov has re-signed.

In Oezdemir (13-1), Cirkunov faces a tough return to the octagon. The Swiss fighter made his UFC debut last month, facing one-time Light Heavyweight Championship contender Ovince St. Preux on short notice, a fight in which he won by split decision.

The 27-year-old is on a three fight winning streak, dating back to a 2014 loss in Bellator, his only loss to date. Oezdemir holds a notable win over Cage Warriors veteran Paco Estevez, amongst others.

UFC Fight Night: Gustafsson vs Teixeira fight card:

Light Heavyweight: Alexander Gustafsson vs. Glover Teixeira

Light Heavyweight: Misha Cirkunov vs. Volkan Oezdemir

Middleweight: Chris Camozzi vs. Magnus Cedenblad

Heavyweight: Christian Colombo vs. Damian Grabowski

Middleweight: Jack Hermansson vs. Alex Nicholson

Lightweight: Joaquim Silva vs. Mairbek Taisumov