Veteran lightweight Yves Edwards (42-21-1 MMA, 10-8 UFC) may have his last chance to turn things around in the octagon when he meets up-and-comer Piotr Hallman (14-2 MMA, 1-1 UFC) at UFC 173.

UFC officials today announced the fight for the May 24 event, which takes place at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena. The bout’s position on the fight card was not announced.

Edwards, 37, suffered his third consecutive loss in his most recent bout, which came via knockout against Yancy Medeiros at “UFC Fight Night 31: UFC Fight for the Troops 3,” but the result was overturned when Medeiros tested positive post-fight for a banned substance.

In his third and most recent stint with the UFC, Edwards, a 17-year vet who in the mid-2000s was considered the octagon’s uncrowned champion in the lightweight division, is 4-5 and desperately needs a win to stay with the promotion.

Edwards will attempt to quash the rise of the 26-year-old Hallman, who suffered his first octagon setback in his most recent appearance when he was outpointed by Al Iaquinta at UFC Fight Night 30. The decision loss followed an impressive submission victory over Francisco Trinaldo in his debut at UFC Fight Night 28, which was his 10th consecutive win.

UFC 173 is headlined by a middleweight title fight between champ Chris Weidman and Lyoto Machida, who steps in for embattled contender Vitor Belfort.

For the latest on UFC 173, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.

(Pictured: Yves Edwards)