Gunnar Nelson set to face Mike Pyle in May at UFC 160 [Updated with quotes from John Kavanagh]

Gunnar Nelson (11-0-1) returns to action this May at UFC 160 against experienced veteran Mike Pyle (24-8-1).

MMAJunkie reported the bout earlier tonight and we confirmed the news with Gunnar’s manager and father moments ago.

UFC 160 is set for 25th May in the MGM Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada and will be headlined by Cain Velasquez vs Antonio “Big Foot” Silva for heavyweight championship.

The card will also feature former champion Junior Dos Santos vs Alistair Overeem and Glover Teixeira vs Ryan Bader.

Gunnar is currently 2-0 in the UFC, with his most recent victory coming against Jorge Santiago last month at UFC on FUEL 7 in London, England.

Pyle holds notable victories over Richardo Almeida, Josh Neer and Englishman John Hathaway.

We spoke to Gunnar’s head coach John Kavanagh to get his thoughts on the bout

“I’m actually a fan of Mikes fighting style, like Gunni he relies on technique rather than athleticism.

“I’ve been watching him closely for his last few fights. I think stylistically it’s a great match up and I’m looking forward to it.

“Also I said years ago I’d only go to Vegas if I was bringing a fighter to a UFC or getting married, I guess the fight came first””

“Quicksand” Pyle has won 6 of his last 7, only losing to top ranked prospect Rory MacDonald back at UFC 133 in August 2011 and will be another step up in competition for the highly rated Gunnar Nelson