"I didn't know if I could say anything about my next fight, but I see that Dana has let the cat out of the bag. So I can tell you what I know, on April 10 I will be fighting Renzo Gracie in Abu Dhabi. I haven't signed any paperwork and I don't think Renzo has either; but I think this fight is going to happen. That's all I know, serious training will start for me at the new year." - Matt Hughes

Former 9-time UFC welterweight champion Matt Hughes confirms an upcoming showdown with fellow MMA legend Renzo Gracie. The fight is tentatively scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi at UFC 112 on April 10.

Hughes (43-7) is coming off of a win against bitter rival Matt Serra at UFC 98 back in March. The win capped a sub-par five-fight stretch in which the former long-time champion went a disappointing 2-3; losing twice to current welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre and dropping a tough loss to top contender Thiago Alves over that span.

Gracie (13-6-1) hasn't fought since earning a disqualification victory over Frank Shamrock back in February of 2007. The 42-year-old MMA pioneer holds other notable victories over Oleg Taktarov, Maurice Smith, Pat Miletich and Carlos Newton. He is the son of Robson Gracie, grandson of Carlos Gracie, nephew of Carlos Gracie, Jr. and grand-nephew of legendary Brazilian jiu-jitsu creator Helio Gracie.

Make sure to check back with us the day of the event for free, live, round-by-round coverage of UFC 112 right here at FiveKnuckles.com! Join expert analyst Mike Williams as he takes you through the entire fight card blow-by-blow and then keep it right here for all the post-fight news and notes you can handle!