Josh Burkman (photo via WSOF)

By FCF Staff

After a six year absence, and a successful run with World Series of Fighting, Josh Burkman is returning to the UFC.

On Friday, the promotion announced that Burkman will make his return versus welterweight contender Hector Lombard, which will take place at UFC 182 on January 3rd.

Burkman (27-10) hasn’t fought for the UFC since October, 2008, when he lost by unanimous decision to Pete Sell. Since then the 33 year-old fighter has gone 9-2, which includes a 4-1 run with WSOF.

Most recently the former TUF competitor KO’d Tyler Stinson in March.

Lombard (34-4-1) hasn’t fought since March, when he scored a unanimous decision win over Jake Shields.

UFC President Dana White announced Burkman’s signing by Instagram, and posted the following picture: