Georges St-Pierre is not easing into his long-awaited return to the Octagon following a three-year-hiatus as the Canadian will face Michael Bisping for the middleweight title.
UFC President Dana White made the announcement of the fight on Wednesday.
"We haven't set a date yet, but that's the fight," White said during an appearance on ESPN's SportsCenter.
"He has to be tested by (US.Anti-Doping Agency) for the next three months.
"There's a lot of things that have to happen for Georges St-Pierre to come back, and then we'll pick a date."
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St-Pierre and Bisping are expected to hold a news conference in Las Vegas on Friday where details could be announced.
One of MMA's most popular and successful fighters, St-Pierre has not fought since late 2013 when he defended his welterweight crown with a split decision win over Johny Hendricks.
The announcement likely won't please American star Yoel Romero, the Sydney 2000 wrestling silver medallist and No.1 ranked UFC middleweight is riding an eight-fight win streak and has been vocal about wanting to face Bisping.
The news could also mean Australia's Robert Whittaker is slightly further away from a middleweight title shot despite his own impressive six-fight winning streak.
