Hatsu Hioki will get to compete on home soil, and the Japanese fighter is expected to meet fellow featherweight Bart Palaszewski at February’s UFC 144 card.
Sources close to the event told MMAjunkie.com verbal agreements are in place for the fight. MMAWeekly.com first reported the bout.
UFC 144 takes place Feb. 26 at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.