Todd Duffee Set to Return at UFC 181 Following Nearly Two-Year Layoff
Having been out of action for nearly two years, UFC heavyweight Todd Duffee is finally ready to return to the Octagon.
UFC officials on Thursday confirmed to ESPN.com that Duffee and Anthony Hamilton have agreed to fight at UFC 181 on Dec. 6 at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas.
Duffee (8-2) last fought at UFC 155 on Dec. 12, 2012, defeating Phil DeFries by TKO stoppage just two minutes into the fight. That was Duffee’s return to the Octagon after spending a couple of years fighting elsewhere.
His return was short-lived. Following the bout, Duffee revealed that he had suffered an undisclosed injury leading up to the fight, and would need time to rehab it. Later in 2013, however, he was diagnosed with a nerve disorder called Parsonage-Turner syndrome, which causes pain and numbness in the shoulder and upper arm.
SEE ALSO: Todd Duffee Battling Rare Nerve Disorder
Cleared to return to fighting, Duffee will next face Hamilton at UFC 181.
Although the two have similar records, Hamilton (13-3) has a distinct advantage. He has fought six times while Duffee has been on the sidelines, amassing a 5-1 record during that span.
Hamilton last fought at UFC 177 in August, when he stopped Ruan Potts via TKO late in the second round.
UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman headlines UFC 181, putting his belt on the line against Vitor Belfort.
