Undefeated Shane Del Rosario (11-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) is the latest fighter to move from Strikeforce to its sister promotion, the UFC.
The heavyweight fighter's manager, Jason House of the Iridium Sports Agency, recently tweeted news of the new contract.
A date and opponent were not disclosed for Del Rosario's promotional debut.
Since his pro debut in 2006, del Rosario has fought primarily with EliteXC, M-1 Challenge and Strikeforce. Under the Strikeforce banner, he picked up submission wins over Brandon Cash and Lavar Johnson, as well as a TKO of Lolohea Mahe, following his 2009 debut.
All of del Rosario's wins now have come via stoppage, including 10 of 11 in the first round.
However, del Rosario hasn't fought since February. The 28-year-old Californian was slated to fight Daniel Cormier in June, but a drunk driver rear-ended him, which resulted in a herniated disc and a lengthy recovery. A rep for the fighter initially told MMAjunkie.com (
www.mmajunkie.com) the injuries could be career-threatening, though he ultimately was cleared to resume training.
Officials recently announced the upcoming elimination of Strikeforce's heavyweight division. Fighters such as Fabricio Werdum, Chad Griggs and Johnson also recently signed with the UFC, and following the conclusion of the Strikeforce heavyweight grand prix in March (and a final fight with the tourney champion), the division will be shut down completely.
Source: Strikeforce's undefeated Shane del Rosario signs with UFC