Vera (photo via Alliance Gym.com)

By FCF Staff

Brandon Vera has confirmed that he will be returning to the heavyweight division for the first time since 2008, and will fight Ben Rothwell as expected on August 31st. The bout will be part of UFC 164, which will be hosted by Milwaukee’s Bradley Center.

Vera announced via his official Twitter account today:

Good morning everyone!! I wanted to let y’all know it is confirmed I am fighting Big Ben Rothwell on Aug 31st

The 35 year-old fighter will be looking to rebound from a fourth round, stoppage loss he suffered versus “Shogun” Rua last August at UFC on FOX 4. Prior to that Vera worked his way to a unanimous decision win over Eliot Marshall at UFC 137 in October, 2011.

Vera hasn’t fought at heavyweight since June, 2008, when he was stopped by Fabricio Werdum at UFC 85.

Rothwell (32-9) is coming off a second round, guillotine choke defeat to Gabriel Gonzaga at UFC on FX 7 in January. At UFC 145 last April the IFL vet KO’d Brendan Schaub in round one.

The main event for UFC 164 has yet to be confirmed, however, Alistair Overeem and Diego Sanchez are expected to compete at the event.

Stay tuned to Full Contact Fighter for more on UFC 164 as it develops.