[DeToxRox]

Dola, from MMAFrenzy.com

UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida’s first title defense will be against former 205-pound champion and top contender Quinton “Rampage” Jackson.

The bout was announced by UFC President Dana White at the post-UFC 98 press conference on Saturday in Las Vegas.

Machida improved to 15-0 at UFC 98 with a second-round knockout of title-holder Rashad Evans. The karate practitioner has won seven bouts inside the Octagon, including victories over Thiago Silva, Tito Ortiz, and Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou.

“Rampage” won the title in May 2007 with a first-round knockout of Chuck Liddell then successfully defended the championship over Dan Henderson before relinqusing the belt to Forrest Griffin last July. After bouncing back with victories over Wanderlei Silva and Keith Jardine, Jackson is now poised to have an opportunity to reclaim the title.

The bout will take later this year after the fighters appear as opposing coaches on The Ultimate Fighter 10.