George Sotiropoulos (top) pounds his way to a UFC victory over Joe Lauzon in November, 2010. Credit:UFC

For Sotiropoulos, the bout against Noons represents a chance to get his career back on track. Two years ago, the Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and The Ultimate Fighter season six semi-finalist was on the verge of a lightweight title shot following seven successive UFC victories. However, a close decision loss to Dennis Siver at UFC 127, followed by a first round KO defeat at the hands of Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 132, sent him tumbling from championship contention.

Sotiropoulos then coached Team Australia in The Ultimate Fighter: The Smashes, which culminated in a bout against Team UK coach Pearson at the Gold Coast in December. Both Sotiropoulos and Pearson traded verbal insults throughout the series, setting the scene for a much-hyped grudge match in which the Australian's superior grappling skills would be pitted against Pearson's fearsome striking. And while Sotiropoulos had his moments, it was Pearson's powerful left hook that eventually proved the difference, the Brit winning by TKO 41 seconds into the third round.

In Noons, Sotiropoulos again faces a talented striker. A black belt in Kenp , Noons has won 11 of his 17 mixed martial arts bouts — including eight by way of knock-out. He made his UFC debut in May this year, losing a unanimous decision to the UFC's number six-rated lightweight Donald Cerrone.

The news of Sotiropoulos' return comes hot on the heels of the announcement that Australian welterweight Kyle Noke would be the next man to coach a season of The Ultimate Fighter. To air on FX early next year, The Ultimate Fighter Nations: Australia vs Canada will pit a Noke-coached Australian team against a Canadian team coached by former welterweight title contender Patrick Côté. Uncontracted welterweights and middleweights will try out for the series in Sydney on September 11, and in Toronto, Canada on September 22.