Canadian lightweight Jesse Ronson will make his long awaited return to the octagon this April.
Ronson (21-10, 1NC) will face Rafa Garcia (13-2) at a UFC Fight Night event on April 16, 2022. My MMA News was first to report the booking. Ronson later confirmed the match-up on social media.
A longtime veteran of the regional circuit, Ronson embarked on his second stint in the UFC in July of 2020. However, what was originally a rear-naked choke victory for “The Body Snatcher” against Nicolas Dalby was later overturned to a No Contest when Ronson tested positive for Metandienone, an androgen and anabolic steroid (AAS).
Ronson was then handed a 20 month suspension by USADA, who oversee the UFC’s anti-doping policy. The fighter stated he believed a tainted supplement was the culprit.
Ronson originally competed for the promotion from 2013 to 2014, losing all three of his fights at that time.
Garcia entered the UFC last year, and fought three times in 2021. The former Combate Americas lightweight champion posted a 1-2 record, dropping his first two bouts to Nasrat Haqparast and Chris Gruetzemacher. In his last outing, however, “Gifted” got back in the win column. The UFC Vegas 43 fight saw Garcia win a unanimous decision against Natan Levy.
No venue, location, or broadcast plan has been officially announced for the UFC’s April 16 event. Likewise, no main event has been reported for the show.
