Gallery Devonte Smith def. Dong Hyun Ma at UFC 234: Best photos view 7 images

Clay Collard will return to the UFC this month after nearly four years away when he steps in as a replacement to fight Devonte Smith at UFC 241.

After John Makdessi was forced to withdraw from the matchup, Collard (17-8 MMA, 1-3 UFC) returns to the promotion for a second stint to fight Smith (10-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC) in a lightweight bout.

MMA Junkie confirmed the new matchup with a person with knowledge of the booking. The person requested anonymity because the UFC has yet to make an official announcement.

Collard had been booked to headline LFA 75 in front of his home fans in Utah on Sept. 6, but his return to the UFC leaves the LFA looking for a new main event opponent for Arthur Estrazulas.

Collard made his UFC debut in 2014 against current featherweight champion Max Holloway, but lost a third-round TKO at UFC Fight Night 49. Later that year, he picked up a decision win over Alex White at UFC 181 for what stands as his lone victory in the promotion. After back-to-back decision losses to Gabriel Benitez and Tiago Trator, he was let go in late 2015.

After nearly two and a half years off, he came back in 2018 and has gone 4-1 – but also has dipped his toes into the boxing world for three fights this year.

Collard will attempt to slow the momentum of the red-hot Smith, who has won six consecutive fights, including five first-round finishes. “King Kage” has wasted no time impressing in his UFC tenure so far, picking up devastating first-round knockouts over Dong Hyun Ma and Julian Erosa.

With the change, the UFC 241 lineup now includes: