Josh Burkman (photo via WSOF)

By FCF Staff

Since Josh Burkman exited the UFC in 2008, the welterweight has put together a 9-2 run, which includes notable wins over established vets like Aaron Simpson, Gerarld Harris and Jon Fitch.

As a result, the 34 year-old has been booked to fight welterweight contender Hector Lombard at UFC 182, and Burkman says a different “People’s Warrior” will step into the Octagon when he does.

While speaking to UFC.com recently, the well rounded fighter talked about the changes he’s made during the last six plus years, and while doing so stated:

“He (Dana White) said ‘look on that board. This is wide open, so make the most of it,’” Burkman said. “When I first got into the UFC off The Ultimate Fighter, I had only been doing this for two years. So that first stint in the UFC was really just a big learning experience for me. Not to mention that I was just playing; I was having fun. So this time coming back, it’s a second chance at all that. This isn’t the learning phase. I always knew that I would make it back, and I knew that I would be at my best when I was able to come back. I feel like the timing is right and couldn’t be better.”

Burkman is coming off a first round, KO win over Tyler Stinson at WSOF 9 in March, while Lombard scored a unanimous decision win over Jake Shields that same month at UFC 171.

The Janary 3rd, UFC 182 will be hosted by a venue to be determined in Las Vegas, Nevada, and will feature light-heavyweight champ Jon Jones taking on Daniel Cormier in the main event.