LEE Wieczorek’s return to the cage to face tough northerner Mick Sinclair is one of the highlights of a stacked card for the 22nd edition of Ultimate Warrior Challenge in Southend in March.

Details of the fight card have just been released, and Billericay’s Wieczorek taking on Burnley’s Mick Sinclair in a lightweight contest will be a co-main event at Garon Park.

Team Sure Grip’s Wieczorek, who’s record is 11-4-0, will be looking to bounce back from his first defeat since 2009 — a loss to UFC vet Curt Warburton in September at London’s Wembley Arena.

Sinclair will be fighting for the first time since a 14–month retirement. The Team Kaobon man, known as “The English Bull Terrier”, has a record of 12-3-0, with 10 coming inside the distance, nine of which have been first-round stoppages.

UWC promoter Alex Burzotta said: “Lee was undefeated in six going into that fight in September, and he’s still at the top of his game.

“Mick Sinclair will be looking to return with a bang after deciding he may have retired a bit too early.

“So both guys will be very motivated. Lee knows he’ll need to bring his A-game to win and that’s what he intends to do.”

The night will also feature a second fight for Rayleigh’s Mark Cosh as he takes on Italian Carlo Milani, who also has a record of one win from one fight.

Home favourite Walter Gahadza is also in action as he looks to maintain his unbeaten 10-0-0 record against top-rated Frenchman Loic Marty.

Burzotta said: “This is a calibre of fight you could see on a UFC card, so local MMA fans are lucky they are getting to see this in Southend for a fraction of the price.”

The co-main event is Paul Kelly against Henrique Santana. Team Kaobon’s Kelly (15-5-0) was released by the UFC in 2011, and Santana (7-6-0-1nc) is a Brazilian fighter who fights out of London’s Team Titan.

Burzotta said: “Paul Kelly is one of the highest profile UK fighters in the world, and Santana knows that a win here will put him in line for some big pay days.”

UWC 22 will take place on Saturday, March 2, at the Southend Leisure & Tennis Centre in Garon Park.

Tickets are available at www.ultimatewarriorchallenge.co.uk or by calling the box office on 01702 613000.