The bout was announce via press release during the WSOF 24 broadcast.
High (18-5) is coming off a loss to current UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos in June of 2014. This was his ligghtweight debut and following the TKO loss to dos Anjos, High shoved referee Kevin Mulhall. This resulted his release from the UFC and a one year suspension. Before this he won two in a row.
Payan (16-8, 1NC) is coming off a TKO victory over Roberto Yong in the Rage in the Cage promotion. Before this he lost two straight. Payan also holds a split decision victory over two-time WSOF title challenger Luis Palomino, they fought in 2009 at the first Bellator show.