Report: Gustafsson exits retirement, set to fight Werdum at heavyweight

Alexander Gustafsson is coming out of retirement.

The former UFC light heavyweight title challenger is set to move up to heavyweight and fight ex-champion Fabricio Werdum on July 25, a source told MMA Junkie's Mike Bohn.

Gustafsson walked away from the sport after a loss to Anthony Smith last June. Six months before that, he dropped a third-round TKO to Jon Jones in a vacant title bout.

"The Mauler" also fought Jones for the belt in 2013. "Bones" won by unanimous decision, but the clash ended up being one of the greatest fights of all time. Gustafsson, long considered a top 205-pound contender, holds notable victories over Glover Teixeira, Jimi Manuwa, Mauricio Rua, and Jan Blachowicz.

Werdum returned to the Octagon after serving a 14-month USADA suspension at UFC 249 in May, dropping a split-decision loss to Aleksei Oleinik. The 42-year-old Brazilian is also riding a two-fight skid. Werdum, one of the most accomplished heavyweights in MMA history, held the UFC belt from June 2015 to May 2016.

A middleweight bout between former champion Robert Whittaker and Darren Till is targeted to headline the UFC's July 25 card. The location of the event has not yet been confirmed, but it's expected to take place on Fight Island.