Johnny Eduardo returns from 33-month layoff, fights Anthony Birchak at March 20 UFC event

Johnny Eduardo hasn’t stepped foot in a UFC cage since June 1, 2018.

On March 20, that’ll change when Eduardo (28-12 MMA, 3-4 UFC) returns from a 33-month layoff to fight Anthony Birchak (16-7 MMA, 2-3 UFC). The UFC Fight Night event is scheduled to take place at the UFC Apex and stream on ESPN+/ESPN.

Two people with knowledge of the matchup recently informed MMA Junkie of the booking but asked to remain anonymous because the promotion has yet to make an official announcement.

Eduardo, 42, has lost three of his most recent four outings. He was finished in those three defeats against Aljamain Sterling, Matthew Lopez and, most recently, Nathaniel Wood. The victory in that stretch came against Manny Gamburyan at UFC Fight Night 100 in November 2016.

Birchak, 34, returned to the UFC in November following five fights outside the promotion, which included stops in RIZIN, Combate Americas and LFA. Upon his return, he was submitted by Gustavo Lopez with a first-round rear-naked choke.

With the addition, the UFC Fight Night on March 20 lineup includes:

• Derek Brunson vs. Kevin Holland
• Cheyanne Buys vs. Kay Hansen
• Julia Avila vs. Julija Stoliarenko
• Max Griffin vs. Song Kenan
• Gustavo Lopez vs. Adrian Yanez
• Dricus Du Plessis vs. Trevin Giles
• Paul Craig vs. Jamahal Hill
• Don’Tale Mayes vs. Tai Tuivasa
• Grant Dawson vs. Leonardo Santos
• JP Buys vs. Bruno Silva
• Anthony Birchak vs. Johnny Eduardo