Renzo Gracie Planning UFC Return In 2012

Though it's been over two years since his last Octagon appearance, Renzo Gracie plans to make his UFC return by year's end.

Gracie confirmed news of his return to CageReligion.com on Wednesday. When asked of a possible time frame, the legendary Brazilian simply stated, "I want to do it towards the end of the year."

Gracie's deal with the UFC is for a reported six fights, leaving the 20-year veteran with five fights left on his contract. At 45-years of age, Gracie last competed at 2010's UFC 112 where he suffered a third round technical knockout at the hands of UFC Hall of Famer Matt Hughes.

Prior to the defeat, the submission legend strung together three consecutive victories over Pat Miletich, Carlos Newton and Frank Shamrock under the EliteXC and IFL banners.

The Carlos Gracie Jr. black belt currently runs the Renzo Gracie Academy in New York City and helps train a number of notable fighters, including Matt Serra, Georges St-Pierre, Frankie Edgar and Chris Weidman.