A middleweight matchup between former title challenger Chael Sonnen and military veteran “All American” Brian Stann is in the works for UFC 136. The planned event is targeted for October 8th at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Heavy.com was first to report on the bout earlier this afternoon.

Sonnen returns to UFC action after a suspension imposed by the California State Athletic Commission. The embattled wrestler was suspended after providing contradictory statements regarding his testosterone replacement therapy, and was also convicted of money laundering earlier this year.

Sonnen (25-11-1) made his return to the UFC in 2009 after a brief stint in the WEC that saw him split a pair of bouts with then-champion Paulo Filho. Though he lost quickly in his first fight back inside the Octagon, Sonnen racked up three straight wins over Dan Miller, Yushin Okami and Nate Marquardt to earn a shot at the UFC Middleweight Championship. After dominating champion Anderson “The Spider” Silva for 23 minutes, Sonnen was submitted by a triangle armbar midway through the final round.

Stann (11-3-0), a former WEC Light Heavyweight Champion, has enjoyed great success since dropping down to 185 pounds last year. Currently riding a three-fight winning streak that includes a stoppage of former Sengoku champ Jorge Santiago, Stann has quickly risen to become one of the middleweight division’s top prospects. As he looks to move closer to title contention, Stann will face a tough test in Sonnen, who came moments away from capturing UFC gold last year.

With eight knockouts to his credit and solid technical boxing, Stann will hold an edge over Sonnen on the feet, but Sonnen’s powerful takedowns and smothering top game have proven to be too much for even the elite in the middleweight division; including Silva until his late submission rally.

UFC 136 is targeted for October 8th at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.

(Photo Credit: Sherdog.com)