Yushin Okami's long-awaited World Series of Fighting debut is just around the corner.
The veteran middleweight and former top UFC contender will meet Svetlozar Savov at WSOF 9 on March 29 in Las Vegas, WSOF officials told MMAFighting.com.
Okami, the 32-year-old native of Kanagawa, Japan, was a controversial cut from the UFC last summer. Okami (29-8) was released by the UFC after a first-round TKO loss to Jacare Souza, despite holding victories in his three previous bouts before the Souza loss.
A native of Bulgaria, Savov has put together a 12-4 record fighting on European circuits. He's won three of his past four fights, and 11 of his 12 career victories have come by way of finish.
main CARD
NBC Sports Network, 9 p.m. ET
Steve Carl vs. Rousimar Palhares WW Title
Marlon Moraes vs. Josh Rettinghouse BW Title
Yushin Okami vs. Svetlozar Savov
Josh Burkman vs. Tyler Stinson
Ozzy Dugulubgov vs. Johnny Nunez
preliminary CARD MMAjunkie, 6:30 p.m. ET
Mike Corey vs. Shane Kruchten
Chris Gruetzemacher vs. John Gunderson
Sean Cantor vs. Bryson Hansen
Phil Dace vs. Danny Davis
Jimmy Jones vs. Rudy Morales
Gil Guardado vs. Jimmy Spicuzza
Tanner Cowan vs. A.J. Williams
not a bad little card.
Showcase fight for Okami to get him ready for the winner of the MW tournament.