Ex-UFC bantamweight Andre Soukhamthath returns to CES MMA

Former UFC bantamweight Andre Soukhamthath is returning to a familiar setting.

Soukhamthath, who was released by the UFC last September, is set to kick off his post-UFC run against Da’Mon Blackshear in a 135-pound bout April 24 at CES 61. CES MMA announced the booking Wednesday.

CES 61 will take place April 24 at Twin River Casino in Lincoln, R.I., and stream on UFC Fight Pass.

The 31-year-old Soukmathath (13-8), a native of Woonsocket, R.I., has fought the majority of his career for CES MMA. He went 11-2 from 2012 to 2016 during which he captured the promotion’s bantamweight title before joining the UFC. His run with the UFC wasn’t so successful as he went 2-5.

Soukhamthath’s UFC tenure ended with back-to-back unanimous decision losses in 2019 to Montel Jackson and Su Mudaerji. His two promotional victories came against Luke Sanders by knockout and Jonathan Martinez by decision.