Akihiro Gono is set to return to the ring, and once again, it will be in a Muay Thai fight. The former UFC and Pride star will compete on the Thai Fight Extreme event to be held in Japan on August 7. His opponent will It's Showtime 73kg and  WBC Muay Thai Middleweight champion Yohan Lidon.

Gono competed for Thai Fight earlier this year, winning a four man tournament to become Japan's representative to the international Thai Fight tournament starting September 25 in Thailand. But the competition was much easier in that tournament, and Lidon is a serious step up. One of the top 73kg kickboxers in the world, Lidon is a 10 year veteran who has faced many of the sport's top names. Gono will be a massive underdog in this one.

Also announced for this card are some of Muay Thai's biggest international names, including Buakaw Por. Pramuk, Yodsaenklai Fairtex, Sudsakorn Sor. Klinmee, Saiyok Pumpanmuang, and Fabio Pinca.

HT: Head Kick Legend