Former lightweight champion Sean Sherk (33-4) -- who vowed to never again fight in California after a positive test for steroids in 2007 that he refuted vigorously -- is headed back to the "The Golden State" to take on Gleison Tibau (17-7) at UFC 104: "Machida vs. Shogun" from the Staples Center is Los Angeles on Oct. 24.
The 155-pound match up was expected to take place next month at UFC 103; however, it appears that the promotion switched things up to help bolster the pay-per-view (PPV) event.
Sherk failed to reclaim his title against BJ Penn at UFC 84: "Ill Will" back in May 2008. It was his first fight since being stripped of the title and suspended by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) for allegedly testing dirty for banned substances.
At the ripe old age of 35, the "Muscle Shark" rebounded with unanimous decision win over Tyson Griffin at UFC 90: "Silva vs. Cote," demonstrating much improved striking skills. Primarily known for his overwhelming wrestling attack, Sherk’s new multidimensional approach earned him and Griffin the "Fight of the Night."
Unfortunately, he may have become too reliant on his stand-up and not his wrestling, which was a big factor is his divisional dominance for so many years. That helped Frankie Edgar outpoint him en route to a unanimous decision loss at UFC 98: "Evans vs. Machida" back in May.
Which Sherk shows up for the Tibau fight remains to be seen.
The Brazilian jiu-jitsu wizard is also coming off a decision loss (split) after Melvin Guillard took him the distance at the TUF 9 Finale less than a month ago.
It snapped a two-fight win streak for the Brazilian, who's been up and down since his debut against Nick Diaz at UFC 65 way back in November 2006.
The streaking American Top Team (ATT) product followed the Diaz loss by winning his next three fights inside the Octagon before dropping consecutive bouts to perennial division threats Tyson Griffin and Joe Stevenson.
Tibau could make a major statement with a win against the former champ.
UFC 104 features the first title defense for undefeated light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida against fellow Brazilian Mauricio "Shogun" Rua in the main event of the evening. In addition, rising talent Cain Velasquez and veteran Ben Rothwell will "wage war" in a super-sized heavyweight showdown.
To check out the latest UFC 104: "Machida vs. Shogun" fight card and rumors click here.