Stephen Thompson versus Robbie Lawler confirmed for January's premier ESPN card:

A huge striking affair will land on the UFC's premier card on the ESPN network, as top contender Stephen 'Wonderboy' Thompson returns to action against former Welterweight champion 'Ruthless' Robbie Lawler.

The 170lbs clash is expected to serve as the event's headliner, with a Flyweight bout between Rachael Ostovich and the recently injured Paige VanZant also expected to return to action in January, at his event.

Simpsonville native Stephen Thompson was narrowly beaten by Darren Till at UFC Liverpool earlier in the year, with the undefeated Till subsequently earning a title shot against Tyron Woodley. Former American Top Team mainstay Lawler returned from the heavy knockout to Woodley, with a decision win over 'Cowboy' Cerrone earning the veteran a clash with then division mover Rafael dos Anjos, ultimately losing a five round decision.

A win for either Thompson or Lawler will surely reinstate them into title contention against either Woodley or Till, or even Kamaru Usman who is expected to serve as the replacement at UFC 228 should either Tyron or 'The Gorilla' fail to make the Dallas date.

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