Former UFC welterweight Rory Markham (16-6) will return to action for the first time since his release from the organization when he squares off with Steve Carl (10-2) at Bellator 26 in Kansas City, Mo. on Aug. 26.
Bellator announced the fight on Tuesday.
Markham got off to a fast start in his UFC debut with a highlight reel head-kick KO of Brodie Farber, but suffered consecutive stoppage losses to Dan Hardy and Nate Diaz, failing to escape the first round in either bout.
Carl, meanwhile, won his Bellator debut via split decision over Brett Cooper before suffering a submission loss to Dan Hornbuckle this past May.
“As an MMA fan, I’m really looking forward to this fight,” Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney said in a press release. “Markham is one of the toughest guys in the sport and Carl showed huge tenacity in his fight with Brett Cooper — this should be a great fight.”
Markham has the edge in experience, with a pro career that dates back to 2003, while Carl, an Army veteran who served in Iraq, only has four years under his belt.
On paper, Markham could very well have the advantage on the feet. However, Carl has a solid wrestling background and six submission wins to his name.