[TheMouth]

The Chicago Sun-Times today reported that Arlovski will return to the octagon for a March 1 fight at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. However, representatives from Arlovski's management today told MMAjunkie.com (UFC News & Rumors - MMA News - UFC Fighters - UFC Event Recaps and Previews - MMAjunkie.com) that Arlovski hasn't yet signed to fight at any event.

With that said, though, Arlovski has just one fight remaining on his current deal, and he's expected to fight before the contract expires on April 15. With the recent cancellation/rescheduling of a March 8 event in the U.K., that makes UFC 82 the most likely option for Arlovski's return.

Still, though, nothing has been signed, his management team said.

UFC 81 currently features a main event between UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva and former PRIDE champ Dan Henderson.

The 28-year-old Arlovski hasn't competed since April 2007's UFC 70 event, where he scored a unanimoius-decision victory over UFC newcomer Fabricio Werdum. Prior to the fight, UFC President Dana White hinted that the winner might be in line for a title shot. Arlovski posted a clear-cut unanimous-decision win at the overseas event, but it didn't exactly sit well with fans expecting fireworks from the two heavyweights. And, of course, the title shot never came.

Arlovski hasn't fought since then -- a layoff of nearly nine months.

The UFC has wanted Arlovski to sign a contract extension, but the fact that he hasn't won't keep White from booking him for a fight. During a press conference last month, White said that Arlovski would likely fight in the next "couple months" regardless of his contract status

[CNorris]

Great, we get so watch another boring decision. Arlovski should just say inactive unless he's going to come in and actually fight.

[TheMouth]

He wants 1 mil per fight to renew his contract. I'd honestly like to see him go to EliteXC.

[TheMouth]

Looks like his opponent will be Jake O'Brien.

[grila jujitsu]

i know that my boy jon fitch will be fighting in ufc82. he's fighting a no namer. jons going to rock the guy

[TheMouth]

Chris Wilson is def not a no namer.

[Beowulf]

Never say "no namer". That leads to the proverbial "bite in the ass". Don't forget Lauzon, Gonzaga, Soko, Houston Alexander, etc.

[Reaper329]

it will be good to get arlovskis contract over with, too much nonsense and not enough activity. Same with Tito. Glad his last fight with Machida is coming up. Hopefully both go elsewhere

[VolcomX311]

Tito fights are like bad car accidents. I don't want it to happen, but I can't help but watch when it does.

[grila jujitsu]

Originally Posted by TheMouth

Chris Wilson is def not a no namer.

honestly, i have seen him fight and im not impressed with him. He has not fought any huge names. he has fought some avg to good fighters, but know one imo as good as fitch. I should not say "no namer" because that would not be true, for that i apologize.

[grila jujitsu]

Originally Posted by Beowulf

Never say "no namer". That leads to the proverbial "bite in the ass". Don't forget Lauzon, Gonzaga, Soko, Houston Alexander, etc.

i had know about lauzon before he was on tuf. plus he has credit to his name for TKOing jens.

Gonzaga was a huge surprise! i admit.

soko are you talking about the guy who knocked out nogara ?

i also will admit to alexander.

[Beowulf]

Originally Posted by grila jujitsu

i had know about lauzon before he was on tuf. plus he has credit to his name for TKOing jens.

Gonzaga was a huge surprise! i admit.

soko are you talking about the guy who knocked out nogara ?

i also will admit to alexander.

I was thinking of when Lauzon knocked out Pulver. He was a 6 or 7 to 1 underdog who was brought in to give Jens a new highlight reel. Instead, the UFC ended up with a new budding star.

I have little doubt that Fitch will smoke Wilson, but underestimating fighters leads to bad booboos.

[TheMouth]

PS -- This fight with O'Brien is confirmed.