Aljamain Sterling vs. Augusto Mendes added to UFC on FOX 24 on April 15

Struggling Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) bantamweight Aljamain Sterling will make his return to the Octagon at UFC on FOX 24 on April 15 from Kansas City, Missouri, per a recent report by MMA Fighting. The New York native is set to take on Brazilian Augusto Mendes.

Sterling, 27, has lost two fights in a row after starting his career 12-0. However, both losses came via split decision and against top bantamweight contenders Bryan Caraway and Raphael Assuncao. If “Funk Master” can make the adjustments he needs to, 2017 could be his year to finally get to the top of the pecking order.

Mendes, 34, is a submission guru who has produced a 1-1 record since entering the promotion last year, losing to current champion Cody Garbrandt via knockout in his debut. In his recent victory over Frankie Saenz at UFC Fight Night 103, Mendes showcased a willingness to abandon his ground game in favor of slinging leather and brawling on the feet.

UFC on FOX 24 will be headlined by a flyweight title fight between long-time champion Demetrious Johnson and top contender Wilson Reis, who represents the last line of challengers at 125 pounds.