Maia (photo via UFC.com)

By FCF Staff

Former middleweight contender Demian Maia has been tapped for another stiff test, as the renowned grappler will take on perennial welterweight contender Jon Fitch next. According to multiple reports, the two will fight February 2nd, at UFC 156, which will be hosted by the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

Maia (17-4) has gone 2-0 since he decided to drop down to welterweight, following a unanimous decision loss to Chris Weidman in January. The  35 year-old Brazilian is coming off victories over Dong Hyun Kim and more recently Rick Story.

Fitch (24-4) rebounded from the knockout loss he suffered versus Johny Hendrick last December in October, by working his way to an impressive UD win over Erick Silva at UFC 153. The 34 year-old welterweight is 7-2-1 in his last 10 fights.

UFC 156 will feature a featherweight bout between champion Jose Aldo and former lightweight champ Frankie Edgar in the main event.

The card will also see former Strikeforce heavyweight champ Alistair Overeem take on Antonio Silva.