Former welterweight champion Johny Hendricks will step back inside the Octagon against Stephen Thompson in the UFC 196 co-main event. Heavyweights Roy Nelson and Jared Rosholt will do battle on the PPV main card, with Josh Burkman and KJ Noons being added to the preliminary card.
Hendricks (17-3) was expected to face off against Tyron Woodley at UFC 192 in October, however an intestinal blockage and kidney stone attack forced “Big Rigg” out of the bout. His last fight was a unanimous decision win over Matt Brown at UFC 185 in March. Thompson (11-1) is riding a five-fight winning streak, with victories over Nah-Shon Burrell, Chris Clements, Robert Whittaker, Patrick Cote and most recently Jake Ellenberger.