Hector Lombard vs. Josh Burkman booked for UFC 182 on Jan. 3 in Las Vegas

Well, that was unexpected.

I guess top Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) welterweight contender Hector Lombard had so much trouble finding himself a suitable opponent (blame this guy), UFC President Dana White had to start looking in other promotions.

Like World Series of Fighting (WSOF).

That's where White and Co. resurrected the UFC career of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 2 contestant Josh Burkman, who rejoins the world's largest combat sports promotion nearly six years after he was released. And so much for easing his way back into contention.

He's jumping right into the deep end with both feet.

Burkman (27-10) was mired in a contract kerfuffle with WSOF earlier this year and appeared to have things worked out (guess not). Regardless, "The People's Warrior" has won six of his last seven -- with four finishes -- including a 2013 submission win over former UFC nemesis Jon Fitch.

Lombard (34-4-1, 1 NC), meanwhile, has notched two straight since dropping to welterweight and is currently ranked No. 6 in the division.

Interesting match up.

The UFC 182 pay-per-view (PPV) event, which takes place on Jan. 3, 2015 inside MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, will be headlined by the light heavyweight title fight pitting reigning division champion Jon Jones against 205-pound No. 1 contender Daniel Cormier (details).

In addition, Ronda Rousey is expected to defend her bantamweight belt against Cat Zingano, pending "Alpha's" medical clearance.