After much speculation, Sengoku middleweight champion Jorge Santiago (23-8) has officially announced his signing of a multi-fight contract with the UFC.
Santiago’s previous stint with Zuffa resulted in a 1-2 record in the Octagon, including knockout losses to Chris Leben and Alan Belcher. Since then, the American Top Team fighter has flourish on the Japanese circuit, going 7-1 for Sengoku and putting on a Fight of the Year performance in his last bout on Aug. 22 against Kazuo Misaki.
Before joining Sengoku, Santiago won a Strikeforce middleweight tournament, beating Sean Salmon and Trevor Prangley in a four-man, one-night event.
“I had a great experience in Japan, but I am now really excited to fight again in the UFC and conquer more fighters in the U.S.,” Santiago said in a press release from Authentic Sports Management.