The master of “Joe-Jitsu” will return to action on March 19 as Joseph Benavidez vs. Ian Loveland has been added to the upcoming UFC 128 card in New Jersey.
This will be the debut in the UFC for both former WEC bantamweights.
Benavidez (13-2) returns to action after submitting Wagnney Fabiano at WEC 52 in November to close out his career with the promotion. During his time with the WEC, Benavidez went 5-2, with his only losses coming by way of current UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz.
Benavidez will join teammate Urijah Faber on the March card, where he will face Eddie Wineland in a main card match-up for UFC 128.
Taking on Benavidez and making his second appearance in the UFC will be Team Quest fighter Ian Loveland (14-7). Loveland stepped up on short notice in his debut where he defeated Tyler Toner at the “Ultimate Fighter” 12 finale show.
Loveland has won his last 7 fights in a row, including his victory in December.
The bout between Benavidez and Loveland will be on the UFC 128 card, although there has been no word if the fight will be featured on television or not.