UFC middleweight Deron Winn has promised big changes ahead of his return to the octagon.
Earlier this year, Winn was issued a nine-month suspension from the Nevada State Athletic Commission after testing positive for amphetamines in a screen issued in association with a UFC 248 loss to Gerald Meerschaert.
The suspension ends on Dec. 7, and Winn (6-2 MMA, 1-2 UFC) has announced on Instagram he will step into the cage less than two weeks later against Antonio Braga Neto (9-3 MMA, 1-2 UFC) at a planned UFC Fight Night event on Dec. 19 that is expected to take place at UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
MMA Junkie subsequently confirmed the booking with a person with knowledge of the plans who asked to remain anonymous because the promotion has yet to make an official announcement.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by DERON WINN (@deron_winn) on Sep 29, 2020 at 10:10am PDT
Contract signed! December 19th I return to the octagon against Brazilian jiu jitsu specialist Antonio Braga Neto. I have made it a point to change and better many things in my life during the time off. I am so excited to show you all the things I have been working on behind closed doors. I just want everybody to keep that same energy they’ve had with me because when I start this run I don’t want you to switch up on me! Sponsorship inquiries please DM me.
A collegiate wrestling standout and American Kickboxing Academy product, Winn opened his professional MMA career with six straight wins, including a “Fight of the Night” victory in his UFC debut, scoring a decision win over Eric Spicely. However, he’s since dropped consecutive bouts with Darren Stewart and Meerschaert and may now be fighting for his position on the roster.
Meanwhile, Braga Neto had been under UFC contract since 2013 but has registered just three official appearances for the promotion. A grappling specialist and Team Nogueira fighter, Braga Neto is looking to snap a two-fight losing streak when he steps into the cage.