Tim Boetsch, right, has opponent C.B. Dollaway shielding himself from punches during this fight in October 2013. Boetsch, 33, of Lincolnville, returns to Maine for a match on Aug. 16 in Bangor, the first UFC show in Maine.

Tim Boetsch, who grew up in Lincolnville and now lives in Sunbury, Pa., can certainly take a hit, as he did from Costa Philippou during a UFC 155 match on Dec. 29, 2012.

Boetsch, right, still yearns for a chance to fight for a UFC championship and knows his first-ever fight in his home state could be an important step toward rebuilding his status as a contender.

Tim Boetsch