After initially being set to take on Danny Castillo, Isaac Vallie-Flagg has now been given what many would consider a step-up in competition, as his opponent has now changed to Pride legend Takanori Gomi.

UFC officials announced the bout on March 4th.

Takanori Gomi vs Isaac Vallie-Flagg now set for UFC 172

Isaac “Ike” Vallie-Flagg (14-4-1) is both a Jackson’s MMA lifer, and one of the lightweights brought over during the Strikeforce merger. Prior to his loss to hot prospect Elias Silverio at UFC Fight Night 35, Vallie-Flagg was on a 5 fight win streak that included victories over Gesias Cavalcante and Yves Edwards. The gritty Vallie-Flagg will be looking to stave the first losing streak of his career with a win over the fan-favourite “Fireball Kid.”

“The Fireball Kid” Takanori Gomi (34-9, 1 N/C) may no longer be at his athletic pinnacle, but the former Pride Fighting stand-out still manages to keep things competitive. Although only 2-3 in the UFC, Gomi was considered by many to have been robbed in his most recent fight – a split decision loss to Diego Sanchez. The Japanese fighter will be looking to bring his UFC record to .500, but can he do it against a gritty fighter like Vallie-Flagg?

UFC 172 goes down on April 26th at the Baltimore Arena in Baltimore, MD. The main event sees Light Heavyweight kingpin Jon Jones defend his title against Brazilian murder machine Glover Teixiera. Stay tuned to MMASucka for more on this and other upcoming events.