Lightweights Dunham, Bailey Matched for UFC Fight Night 25

Evan Dunham will try to get back on track in September. | Photo: Jeff Sherwood

UFC officials announced late Saturday that both fighters have verbally agreed to the bout, which will take place Sept. 17 event at New Orleans’ Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Set to headline the Spike TV-broadcast card is a matchup of welterweight contenders Jake Shields and Jake Ellenberger.

Dunham, 29, will attempt to rebound from the first pair of setbacks in his career. The Oregon native ran off 11 consecutive victories before losing a controversial split decision to former champion Sean Sherk at UFC 119 in September, and subsequently being knocked out by Melvin Guillard in January. A Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, Dunham has secured six of his 11 wins by way of submission.

A cast member on the 13th season of “The Ultimate Fighter,” 28-year-old Bailey will drop to lightweight after competing on the reality show at 170 pounds. The Chicago-born wrestler made his Octagon debut at the “TUF 13” Finale, notching a unanimous decision over teammate Ryan McGillivray.