Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 8 finalist Vinny Magalhaes returns to UFC

So ... what's Vinny Magalhaes been up to since being released from Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) back in 2009, following back-to-back losses to Ryan Bader and Eliot Marshall?

Aside from terrorizing the regional and International mixed martial arts (MMA) circuit, not a whole lot.

The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) black belt is 7-1 since he last appeared inside the Octagon and is currently riding a five-fight winning streak, finishing all five of his victims in the process. During that span he also captured the M-1 Global Light Heavyweight Championship.

Which he promptly put up for sale on Ebay.

In his spare time, Magalhaes packed on a few pounds to win the 99 kilogram division of the 2011 Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC) submission grappling world championships by defeating Fabricio Werdum. That's the kind of stuff that will get you noticed.

It should come as no surprise then, to learn he's since been invited back to the UFC for a second go-round, MMAmania.com learned late last night.

Magalhaes (9-5) has already been rubbing shoulders with some of the promotion's finest, having recently helped former middleweight number one contender Chael Sonnen prepare for his championship rematch against Anderson Silva at UFC 148 earlier this month.

No opponent or date for his return has been established at this time, however, a report from Tatame.com suggests a UFC 151 debut on Sept. 1, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada, is in the works.

Stay tuned.

Alright Maniacs, you've heard the news, so let's get some feedback. Who do you want to see Magalhaes paired up with in his long-awaited return to the UFC?

Sounf off!