Matt Brown vs Bryan Barberena on tap for UFC ‘Fight Night’ on Dec. 4

Retirement? What retirement?

Longtime UFC welterweight slugger Matt Brown will make his return to the Octagon for a three-round battle opposite 170-pound veteran Bryan Barberena, a hard-hitting showdown expected to land on the promotion’s “Fight Night” card on Dec. 4 in Las Vegas.

That’s according to a report from MMA DNA.

Brown (23-18) bounced back from consecutive losses by starching Dhiego Lima at UFC Vegas 29 last June. The 40 year-old “Immortal” has 21 finishes in 23 wins and is widely-considered one of the most entertaining fighters in the welterweight division.

Barberena (15-8), who turned 32 back in May, is coming off a majority decision loss to Jason Witt at UFC Vegas 33. “Bam Bam” is just 5-6 over the last six years and will likely need a strong performance against Brown to keep himself on the 170-pound roster.

Elsewhere on the Dec. 4 fight card, Jimmy Crute makes his light heavyweight return opposite 205-pound bruiser Jamahal Hill. In addition, Brad Tavares and Brendan Allen go to war for middleweight bragging rights, while Rafael Fiziev vs. Brad Riddell collide for a spot in the 155-pound title chase.

Expect more upcoming fight announcements in the weeks to follow.