Strikeforce lightweight Pat Healy stated after his final Strikeforce fight that he wanted to fight a top ten fighter in his return to the UFC and he was granted his wish as he will face Jim Miller at UFC 159.
UFC officials announced the fight booking overnight and the bout is expected to take place on the main card of UFC 159, which will take place on pay-per-view.
Healy (29-16) is currently on a six fight winning streak and went 7-1 in Strikeforce. His only defeat was against Josh Thomson, which he was defeated in the third round by submission.
He was scheduled to meet Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez on two separate occasions in Strikeforce, but Melendez had to pull out of both fights with an injury.
Miller (22-4) is one of the top lightweight fighters in the UFC and has gone 11-3 in the organization. After going on a seven fight win streak after being defeated by Gray Maynard in 2009, he has gone 2-2 in his last four fights.
His losses during this time have come against now current lightweight champion Benson Henderson and Nate Diaz, which was a number one contenders bout. He most recently defeated Joe Lauzon at UFC 155 by unanimous decision and the bout won the fight of the night bonus on the fight card.
UFC 159 takes place on April 27th from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey and will be headlined by Jon Jones defending the UFC light heavyweight title against Chael Sonnen.