Glover Teixeira (17-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC) has signed with the UFC.
After visa issues ultimately forced him out of the U.S. and ruined the possibility of a deal with the world's top promotion, the fast-rising light heavyweight has inked a UFC deal.
MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) today confirmed the signing with a source close to the fighter.
The 32-year-old Teixeira is expected to make his promotional debut in early summer, though a specific date and opponent have not been determined.
Teixeira, a 10-year pro, enters the UFC with a 15-fight and six-year win streak. His victories have come over the likes of Ricco Rodriguez, Marvin Eastman, Antonio Mendes, Daniel Tabera and Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou. Among his 17 career wins, the Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and grappling champion owns 11 knockouts and four submissions.
Back in August, prior to the victory over Eastman in his native Brazil, Teixeira told MMAjunkie.com he expected to have a visa shortly and wanted to fight in the U.S. with the UFC.
"My goal is to reach the top 10," said Teixeira, who's trained with Chuck Liddell and John Hackleman in California. "I'll fight anywhere, for any promotion, against anyone. I want to keep my rhythm going. The UFC has the best talent in the world. I want to be the best in the world. Because of that, the UFC is my first choice, my dream."
Source: Glover Teixeira signs with UFC, targeted for early-summer debut