Sengoku Middleweight Champion Jorge Santiago will return to action at Sengoku Raiden Championships 12 on March 7th in Tokyo, Japan. The Brazilian standout will defend his title in a rematch with Poland’s Mamed “The Cannibal” Khalidov. KSW first reported on the bout earlier today.

Khalidov upset Santiago with a first-round TKO at Sengoku: “Eleventh Battle” in November, but the first meeting was a non-title bout and Santiago escaped with his belt despite the loss. Santiago’s title will be on the line at SRC 12 when he faces Khalidov for a second time.

Santiago (21-8-0) suffered back-to-back knockout losses in the UFC and was cut from the promotion in late 2006, but rebounded with nine straight wins over formidable competition. After submitting Jeremy Horn, Santiago won the one-night Strikeforce Middleweight Tournament in 2007 and went on to capture the Sengoku Middleweight Championship with a fifth-round submission win over Kazuo “The Hitman” Misaki at Sengoku: “No Ran 2009.” Santiago was sidelined due to injury for much of the past year.

Khalidov (20-3-1) made the most of his Sengoku debut with a quick stoppage of Santiago in their first meeting. The one-time EliteXC veteran has not lost since 2005 and has only gone to a decision twice in 24 career bouts. With heavy hands and an excellent ground game, Khalidov has emerged as a dark horse in the division and broke into the top 10 middleweight ranks with his defeat of Santiago. A second win would net Khalidov the Sengoku Middleweight Championship and could set up a showdown with former title challenger Misaki.

Sengoku Raiden Championships 12 takes place on March 7th at the Ryogoku Kokugikan arena in Tokyo, Japan. The event will air on HDNet.

(Photo Credit: Sherdog.com)