Hard-hitting Chris Leben (19-6) and undefeated Aaron Simpson (7-0) have agreed to throw leather in a middleweight bout at UFC 114 from the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, on May 29, according to Hector Castro of the Ground and Pound, in conjunction with Rear Naked Choke Radio.

"The Crippler" is coming off a a unanimous decision victory over Jay Silva at UFC Fight 20 in Fairfax, Virginia. Prior to that bout, Leben had lost consecutive fights to Jake Rosholt at UFC 102 and Michael Bisping at UFC 89. The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 1 alum was forced to take a long leave of absence from the game after he tested positive for steroids following his contest with Bisping.

Arizona Combat Sports product Aaron Simpson has reeled off three wins in a row since coming over to the UFC early last year. His most recent fight ended in controversy after he was awarded a split decision victory over Tom Lawlor at UFC Fight Night 20.

Both fighters are hovering in the middle of the pack in the middleweight division, but with a win at UFC 114, one man will make the proverbial step up in the weight class.

UFC 114 will be centered around the UFC's second fan expo over Memorial Day Weekend, featuring a main event between TUF 10 coaches Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and "Suga" Rashad Evans. UFC 114, which has yet to be officially announced, will likely showcase a battle of light heavyweights between Forrest Griffin and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira.

Keep it locked to MMAmania.com for more news on UFC 114 as it is made available.

(Special thanks to the Newark Examiner for the scoop and subsequent tip.)