Former UFC Star Set To Make His Return To The Octagon

After being released by the UFC in 2014, Daniel Pineda will be making his way back to the promotion.

MMA Junkie was the first to report that the UFC re-signed the free agent in Pineda (26-13, 2 NC).

Turning professional in 2007, Pineda competed for Bellator and Legacy Fighting Championships. He won the Legacy FC Featherweight Title and defended it twice. “The Pit” then made his UFC debut in 2012, beating Pat Schilling via submission. Pineda ended up 3-4 with the promotion, the last two bouts unanimous decision losses. Released, he went back to Legacy and Bellator, going 4-2. Trying something new, he became the Fury FC Lightweight Champion before joining the Professional Fighters League.

Not competing in the entirety of the 2019 season, Pineda came in as a late injury replacement in the featherweight division. He beat Movlid Khaibulaev and Jeremy Kennedy at PFL 8 and was supposed to face Lance Palmer during the PFL Finals. Results from a drug test ended up coming back, showing an elevated testosterone-to-epitestosterone ratio in his system, forcing Pineda out of the finals.

Fined by the Nevada Athletic Commission and suspended for six months, Pineda was eventually let go. A lightweight and featherweight fighter, Pineda is hoping for a better run the second time around with the UFC.

As of now, the UFC has not announced a set date or opponent for Pineda.