Paul Kelly had nine fights in the UFC, but he might be best known for the unusual way his MMA career came to a halt.

Now Kelly (14-5) is set to return to the cage. Kelly announced in an Instagram post that he’s been booked for “Probellum Liverpool” on March 7. No opponent has been named, but Kelly is expected to serve as one half of the welterweight main event.

In May 2013, Kelly was found guilty of heroin trafficking in the U.K. and was sentenced to 13 years in prison. In 2017, Kelly was put on work release (“work placement”). Kelly completed his prison sentence in 2019.

“I know this sounds strange, but I would not change a thing about my life,” Kelly told the Liverpool Echo in May 2018. “I was sent to jail, and I accept it. And it might be the best thing that ever happened to me. And I now have a new partner. We are having a baby, so there is a lot to look forward to.”

Kelly is now 35 years old and has not had an MMA fight since March 2013.

Kelly competed in the UFC from 2008-2011. “Tellys” made his promotional debut at UFC 80 in January 2008. In his first UFC outing, Kelly defeated Paul Taylor by unanimous decision.

In October 2008 at UFC 89, Kelly was submitted by Marcus Davis. Following the defeat, Kelly picked up back-to-back wins over Troy Mandaloniz and Roli Delgado.

After being bowled over by an infamous Dennis Siver spinning back kick in November 2009 at UFC 105, Kelly went 2-1 in 2011. In his final UFC fight, he served as the first opponent for Donald Cerrone. After a controversial punch during the opening glove touch, Kelly was submitted by rear-naked choke in the second round of their UFC 126 showdown in February 2011.

After his UFC release, Kelly went 2-1 in smaller organizations.