[bears9]

Takanori Gomi (27-3), one of the world’s top lightweight fighters, will face UFC veteran Duane “Bang” Ludwig (16-7) at the World Victory Road’s March 5 show, the organization today announced.

The upstart WVR organization, which announced the signing of top free agent Gomi last month, will hold its inaugural event next month at the Yoyogi National Stadium Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan.

Gomi, who reigned as PRIDE Fighting Championships’ lightweight title-holder until the organization’s eventual demise last year, hasn’t fought since a February 2007 loss to Nick Diaz. In a non-title bout at PRIDE 33, Gomi suffered a second-round submission loss via gogoplata, but the decision was changed to a no-contest when Diaz failed a drug test due to marijuana. Prior to the fight, Gomi had won 13 of his previous 14 fights.

His opponent, Ludwig, had been booked to fight Steve Berger at a Feb. 23 Strikeforce show in Tacoma, Wash. According to published reports, Berger will now fight Northeast-based fighter Eddy Ellis instead.

WVR Books Takanori Gomi vs. Duane “Bang” Ludwig for March 5 Event -- MMAjunkie.com

[EmpireWF]

How Gomi returns to competition after a "loss" will show a lot about his character. Will he begin another dominant period in his career? Or will he continue to show signs of wear?