Sources close to the situation have just confirmed that Randy Couture will indeed be returning to the UFC as their heavyweight champion. Apparently, both sides were fed up with the lengthy court process and after several friendly meetings between UFC President Dana White and Randy Couture, both parties agreed to end the litigation and have worked out a new contract.

Although nothing has been officially announced, it's rumored that Brock Lesnar is the front-runner for Couture's next opponent and if so, the bout will be a title match-up. It's also rumored that a fight with Fedor Emelianenko some time in 2009 has also been agreed to by both sides. White is scheduled to hold a press conference today at 3PM ET to make a "major UFC announcement".

UPDATE...

It's official! UFC President Dana White has announced that Randy Couture is returning to the UFC and his next opponent will be Brock Lesnar in the main event at UFC 91 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada in a five-round fight for the heavyweight title.