Schafer Returns to UFC at Middleweight, Faces Simpson Oct. 8

Simpson announced the news Saturday in a blog entry on his official website. The 37-year-old “A-Train” was initially slated to face New Jersey native Nick Catone at the event, but Catone was forced to withdraw from the contest due to injury.

Headlined by a lightweight title bout between Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard, UFC 136 will emanate from the Toyota Center in Houston. Also featuring a featherweight championship scrap pitting Jose Aldo against Kenny Florian, the evening’s main draw will air live on pay-per-view.

Simpson has won back-to-back bouts heading into his showdown with Schafer (Pictured). The Power MMA co-founder has been perfect through 2011, notching decision wins over Mario Miranda and Brad Tavares in March and July, respectively. The wins snapped Simpson’s two-fight losing skid, as he was defeated by both Chris Leben and Mark Munoz in 2010.

Competing as a light heavyweight, Schafer, 33, fought for the UFC seven times from 2006 to 2010, compiling an Octagon record of 3-4. “Red” will return to the promotion as a middleweight, competing at 185 pounds for only the second time in his 13-year pro career. Schafer made his middleweight debut on Sept. 3, submitting Chris Albandia at XFO 41.