Lightweight contenders Anthony “Showtime” Pettis and Joe “J-Lau” Lauzon will square off in the latest addition to the UFC 144 event on February 26, 2012 in Saitama, Japan. UFC officials confirmed plans for the bout earlier this evening following an initial report from MMAFighting.com.

Pettis, the final holder of the WEC Lightweight Championship, suffered a decision loss in his Octagon debut in June but rebounded with a victory over Jeremy “Lil’ Heathen” Stephens last month. Lauzon has won twice this year and quickly stopped Melvin “The Young Assassin” Guillard at UFC 136.

Pettis (14-2-0) opened his career with nine straight wins before dropping a Split Decision in his second WEC appearance. Three stoppage wins led Pettis to a shot at then-champion Ben “Smooth” Henderson and he became the final WEC Lightweight Champion with a Unanimous Decision victory highlighted by the now-famous “Showtime Kick.” Pettis lost a close decision to Clay “The Carpenter” Guida in his UFC debut, but got back on track by defeating Stephens.

Lauzon (21-6-0) has gone to a decision just once in 27 pro bouts and he has submitted 17 opponents to date. It was his striking that was on display against Guillard, however, as he floored him with a counter hook and secured a rear-naked choke for a 47-second upset victory. The win was one of Lauzon’s most impressive to date and his second since losing to George Sotiropoulos one year ago. He now once again finds himself on the brink of lightweight title contention.

The striker versus grappler matchup is the latest addition to the rapidly-growing UFC 144 card, which features some of the UFC’s most exciting lightweight fighters as well as Japan’s premier middleweight, Yushin “Thunder” Okami.

UFC 144 takes place on February 26, 2012 at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. The event features a UFC Lightweight Championship bout between Frankie “The Answer” Edgar and former WEC champion Ben “Smooth” Henderson.

(Photo Credit: Sherdog.com)