The Fireball Kid Returns in April

For the first time since his controversial split decision loss to Diego Sanchez in March of 2013, Japanese superstar Takanori Gomi will return to the Octagon to face Isaac Vallie-Flagg in a UFC 172 bout to take place on April 26 in Baltimore.

Before the Sanchez bout, Gomi had won two straight over Mac Danzig and Eiji Mitsuoka, returning the former PRIDE champion to prominence in the lightweight division. Vallie-Flagg, who has gone 11-1-1 in his last 13 bouts, was scheduled to face Danny Castillo at UFC 172. Castillo will remain on the card against an opponent to be determined shortly.