Paul Buentello Returns to the UFC

At the King of Kombat show in Austin tonight former UFC and Affliction heavyweight contender Paul Buentello announced he has resigned with the UFC. The Dripping Springs-based fighter becomes the latest addition to a stacked Heavyweight Division, unlike the division that existed when he left the UFC after fighting for the UFC Heavyweight Championship in 2006.

The signing of Buentello shouldn’t surprise too many as Buentello is one of the few fighters who would be considered strong competition for Fedor Emelianenko of Strikeforce / M-1. Buentello’s signing to the UFC makes the non-UFC Heavyweight picture a very challenging one for Fedor’s matchmakers.

Paul Buentello’s presence in the UFC Heavyweight Division will be felt very quickly. Buentello is 6-1 since losing to Andre Arlovski in the Heavyweight Title fight in October 2005.