Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski is ramping up for his first fight in Russia since 2000, according to the Belarusian's official Twitter account.

"The Pitbull will collide with Mike "300" Hayes at Fight Nights: "Battle of Moscow 9" on Dec. 16, 2012, in Moscow, Russia. And officials from the international mixed martial arts (MMA) organization confirmed that the heavyweight showdown is expected to serve as the main event of the evening.

Arlovski (18-9, 1 NC) will compete for the third time in less than four months when he takes on Hayes. After stringing together four consecutive losses from 2009-2011, "The Pitbull" is unbeaten in his past four bouts, most recently defeating Devin Cole by first-round technical knockout in the main event of World Series of Fighting 1.

The only blemish on Arlovski's record of late is a "No Contest" with Tim Sylvia in August 2012, which was a result of illegal soccer kicks.

Hayes (18-5-1) will take a large step up in competition when he faces Arlovski. The 32-year-old journeyman has spent the majority of his five-year career traveling around the United States and competing in regional promotions. "300" has shared the cage with UFC veterans Fabiano Scherner and Neil Grove, coming out victorious in both those match ups.

Hayes has won six of his past seven bouts.

MMAmania.com will have more on the Fight Nights: "Battle of Moscow 9" fight card as it becomes available.