Matt Mitrione no longer suspended, meets Brendan Schaub at UFC on FOX 8

Sixteen days after he was suspended by the UFC for transphobic comments directed toward transgender fighter Fallon Fox, Matt Mitrione (6-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC) has been booked for his next fight.

UFC officials announced Wednesday night that Mitrione will meet fellow “The Ultimate Fighter 10? cast member Brendan Schaub (9-3 MMA, 5-3 UFC) at UFC on FOX 8.

Featuring a flyweight title fight between current champ Demetrious Johnson and challenger John Moraga, UFC on FOX 8 takes place July 27 at Seattle’s KeyArena. The evening’s main card airs on FOX.

Mitrione fought earlier this month at UFC on FUEL TV 9, where he earned a 19-second win over Philip De Fries. Two days later, in an appearance on “The MMA Hour,” Mitrione called Fox a “lying, sick, sociopathic, disgusting freak.”

In response, the UFC issued a statement saying the “TUF 10? veteran’s contract has been suspended and he will be investigated.

“The UFC was appalled by the transphobic comments made by heavyweight Matt Mitrione today in an interview on ‘The MMA Hour,’” the statement read. “The organization finds Mr. Mitrione’s comments offensive and wholly unacceptable and – as a direct result of this significant breach of the UFC’s code of conduct – Mr. Mitrione’s UFC contract has been suspended and the incident is being investigated. The UFC is a friend and ally of the (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) community, and expects and requires all 450 of its athletes to treat others with dignity and respect.”

At this past weekend’s UFC on FOX 7 event, UFC President Dana White said he has since spoken with Mitrione who apologized for his remarks. White said the promotion fined Mitrione but expected him to be released from suspension would soon be lifted.

“I’m not mad at Mitrione,” White said this past weekend. “He did something stupid. He knows he did something stupid. He knows the way he said it, he didn’t handle it the right way. He knows he did, so I can respect that.”

In a stat sure to draw some ire, Mitrione is now scheduled to fight 112 days after his most recent appearance, which represents the shortest span between official fights in his professional career.

Meanwhile, Schaub looks to build on the strength of a UFC 157 win over Lavar Johnson. The decision result was a much-needed win for Schaub, who has previously dropped back-to-back fights.

For the latest on UFC on FOX 8, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.

(Pictured: Matt Mitrione)