Makwan Amirkhani Returns to Octagon, Faces Jason Knight at UFC Fight Night 130 in Liverpool

“Mr. Finland” is back and he’s bound for Liverpool.

Makwan Amirkhani will return to the Octagon after a year-long absence at UFC Fight Night 130, taking on Jason Knight. The bout was first reported by Swedish outlet Viaplay Fighting and was subsequently confirmed by the Ultimate Fighting Championship on Wednesday evening.

UFC Fight Night 130 takes place May 27 at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, England. Undefeated local welterweight Darren Till is expected to headline the UFC’s debut in his backyard against a yet-to-be-named opponent.

Featherweights are coming to #UFCLiverpool! @Jasonthekid23 vs. @MakwanAmirkhani is official

https://t.co/muRgHnztoY pic.twitter.com/fxNAmHygLT

— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) March 21, 2018

Amirkhani, 29, made a scintillating UFC debut in January 2015, knocking out Andy Ogle with a flying knee and punches in just eight seconds, tying him for the fifth-fastest stoppage in UFC history. After taking subsequent wins over Masio Fullen and Mike Wilkinson, the Iran-born Finn, who trains out of SBG Ireland, suffered his first loss in the UFC, dropping a split verdict to Arnold Allen at UFC Fight Night 107 last March in London.

The 25-year-old night compiled a 4-1 mark, taking wild and entertaining wins over Jim Alers, Dan Hooker, Alex Caceres and Chas Skelly. “Mississippi Mean” has lost two in a row, however, suffering a knockout at the hands of Ricardo Lamas at UFC 214 last July, then dropping a unanimous decision in Gabriel Benitez.