Long-rumored to be returning to the UFC, heavyweight Paul Buentello informed Sherdog.com Friday that the deal is now official. “The Head Hunter” signed a three-fight extension to the one-fight Affliction deal the UFC picked up when the apparel company folded its fight operations earlier this summer.

Buentello (27-10) also said he has verbally agreed to face American Top Team heavyweight Todd Duffee at UFC 107 in Memphis Dec. 12. He expects to have a bout agreement for the fight some time this weekend.

The former UFC heavyweight title challenger has racked up a 12-2 record over the past six years, dropping only title matches against Andrei Arlovski (UFC) and Alistair Overeem (Strikeforce) over that time span.

“I am looking forward to being back in the UFC and can’t wait to put on some entertaining fights for the fans,” said the outgoing Texan. “I don’t care who I fight. I just want to go out and show the fans I belong in the UFC.”