Joe Stevenson is set to return to the Octagon for the first time since coming up short in his quest for the UFC lightweight title, a source with knowledge of the negotiations told Sherdog.com.

Stevenson, who fell to B.J. Penn (Pictures) in January, will look to create fireworks when he faces American Top Team product Gleison Tibau (Pictures) in Las Vegas on July 5.

A winner of "The Ultimate Fighter," Stevenson (28-8-0) earned a UFC title shot after rattling off four consecutive wins in the lightweight division. The 25-year-old Californian has his work cut out for him in a very deep 155-pound class if he is to make his way back to title contention

Tibau, also 25, had a four-fight winning streak stopped with a decision loss to highly-regarded Tyson Griffin in February. With a 3-2 record in the UFC, Tibau (15-5) joins an anticipated summer card headlined by the UFC light heavyweight title bout between Quinton Jackson (Pictures) and Forrest Griffin (Pictures).