Rafael Sapo (12-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC), who picked up his fifth win in six fights with a knockout of Travis Lutter at the recent Moosin MMA event in Massachusetts, has signed a four-fight deal with the UFC.
Renzo Gracie announced the middleweight fighter's signing via his official website.
Natal is an instructor ("professor") at Gracie's New York City-based academy.
The former Ring of Combat champion is expected to debut with the UFC this fall.
Natal, a five-year vet and Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, has ended seven of his 12 victories via submission. In addition to Lutter, who won "The Ultimate Fighter 4" and once was the UFC's top contender, Natal has defeated the likes of Alexandre Moreno (8-1 at the time), UFC vet Danillo Villefort (4-0), EliteXC vet Jon Kirk (11-4) and Silmar Rodrigo (10-3). All but one of those wins ended via knockout or submission.
The Brazilian earned his black belt from Vinicius Magalhaes.
Shine Fights officials announced in February they had signed Natal to a three-fight deal, but he never debuted with the promotion.
Source: www.mmajunkie.com