Elias Theodorou matched up with fellow UFC vet in first fight since release

Former UFC middleweight Elias Theodorou will return to action for the first time since being cut from the promotion earlier this year.

Theodorou (16-3 MMA) takes on fellow UFC veteran Hernani Perpetuo at Prospect Fighting Championships 12, the promotion announced on their Facebook page.

The event takes place Saturday, Dec. 6 at St. Denis Centre in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

“The Ultimate Fighter 25” winner Theodorou was on a three-fight winning streak when he dropped an unanimous decision to Derek Brunson at UFC on ESPN+ 9 in Ottawa in early May. One loss was enough for the UFC brass to sever ties, as Theodorou was released shortly after the event.

Theodorou’s release came as a surprise to many, who pegges the decision to his fighting style. Only two of his 11 UFC fights ended inside the distance. A member of the UFC’s roster since 2014, Theodorou had compiled an 8-3 record for the promotion.

As for Perpetuo (20-8 MMA), the 34-year-old Brazilian competed two times for the UFC in 2014. He lost both efforts by unanimous decision to Jordan Mein and Tim Means. Since his UFC departure, Perpetuo has competed all over the world for notable promotions such as ONE Championship, Fight Nights Global, and Shooto Brazil.

Check out the official Theodorou vs. Perpetuo announcement below: