Demian Maia vs. Mike Pierce in works for UFC Fight Night 42

Two standout welterweights will attempt to restart a push toward the belt at UFC Fight Night 42.

Demian Maia (18-6 MMA, 12-6 UFC) and Mike Pierce (17-6 MMA, 9-4 UFC) are expected to meet at the event, which serves as the finale to “The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3? and takes place May 31 at Ibirapuera Gymnasium in Sao Paulo.

MMAjunkie confirmed with sources close to the event that bout agreements are in the process of being finalized after an initial report on FOX Sports 1's “UFC Tonight.” The bout is expected for the summer event’s main-card.

Maia, 36, returns to the cage after a disappointing loss to Rory MacDonald at this past month’s UFC 170, which brought his record at 170 pounds to 3-2 after dropping from the middleweight class in 2012.

The onetime middleweight title challenger will pit his world-class submission skills against the wrestling-centered attack of Pierce, whose four-fight win streak was snapped this past October in a quick submission loss to Rousimar Palhares.

Pierce, 33, has beaten every non-ranked opponent he’s faced inside the octagon but has fallen short to top-10 opposition. A win over Maia would put a quality win on his UFC resume.

In the headliner of UFC Fight Night 42, “TUF: Brazil 3? coaches Chael Sonnen and Wanderlei Silva square off in a grudge match.

For more on “UFC Fight Night 42: Sonnen vs. Wanderlei,” stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.

(Pictured: Elias Silverio)