Long one of the most prominent figures in the UFC, Tito Ortiz's future with the organization will hang in the balance March 26.

The UFC announced Wednesday a light heavyweight bout between Ortiz (15-8-1) and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (19-4) will headline its UFC Fight Night 24 event at KeyArena in Seattle, Wash.

A loss to 'Lil Nog' could mark the end of the road for Ortiz, who is currently riding a three-fight skid and hasn't won since finishing Ken Shamrock in the first round by TKO on Oct. 10, 2006.

"This is a must-win fight for Tito Ortiz," UFC president Dana White said in a released statement. "Everyone knows that Tito and I have had a rocky relationship, but he's been with us since we started this company and we're on good terms now.

"This is the biggest fight of his career. 'Lil Nog' is ranked in the top 10 in the world and a win puts Tito back in the mix."

Ortiz's most recent trip to the octagon came last October, where he dropped a unanimous decision to Matt Hamill at UFC 121 in Anaheim, Calif. Prior to that, he had been scheduled to fight rival Chuck Liddell for the third time at UFC 115, but had to pull out due to injury.

Rich Franklin ended up taking Ortiz's place and knocked out Liddell in the first round of what would prove to be Liddell's final fight.

Nogueira, twin brother of former heavyweight champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, will look to bounce back from his first defeat under the UFC banner. The 205-pound contender had won seven straight fights before falling to Ryan Bader in September.

The UFC also announced two welterweight bouts for the March 26 card. Former No. 1 contender Dan Hardy (23-8) will meet Anthony Johnson (8-3) and Duane 'Bang' Ludwig (20-11) will take on "The Ultimate Fighter" season 7 winner, Amir Sadollah (4-2).

UFC Fight Night 24 will be the promotion's first trip to Seattle.