Gono returning for Sengoku 9

World Victory Road on Tuesday announced the opponent for Akihiro Gono's return to Japan. He will face Dan Hornbuckle at Sengoku 9 on Aug. 2 at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.

Gono returns to compete in his home country following an unsuccessful stint with the Ultimate Fighting Championship in the United States. He was 1-2 in his three UFC appearances defeating Tamdan McCrory in his Octagon debut before losing back-to-back bouts to Dan Hardy and Jon Fitch.

In his 15th year as a professional mixed martial artist, Gono is an extremely popular fighter in Japan, having spent the better part of his career fighting for Shooto, Pancrase and Pride.

Hornbuckle is an accomplished fighter from the Midwestern United States. He has fought once before for World Victory Road, losing to Mike Pyle at Sengoku 2. He brings with him a 17-2 professional record, but will be facing his sternest test to date in Gono.

Sengoku 9 features the semi-final and final rounds of the promotion's Featherweight Grand Prix tournament. The main card will air on HDNet in the United States.