Former Bellator champ Will Brooks signs with UFC
It didn’t take long for former Bellator lightweight champion Will Brooks to find a new home.
On the day he officially became a free agent, Brooks signed a deal with the UFC on Wednesday.
He is expected to make his organizational debut against Ross Pearson on The Ultimate Fighter 23 Finale card at MGM Grand on July 8. MMAJunkie.com first reported the signing, which was confirmed by UFC officials.
Brooks has won eight consecutive fights since the lone loss of his career in 2013. He became Bellator champion in 2014 and successfully defended the belt twice before he was granted his release from the organization in May.
An exclusive negotiating period with Bellator expired on Wednesday and the 29-year-old Chicago native quickly came to terms with the UFC.
Brooks, who owns two wins over former champ Michael Chandler, is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Marcin Held in November.
Pearson was scheduled to face James Krause on the July 8 card, but Krause was forced to pull out this week due to injury.
Contact reporter Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5509. Follow him on Twitter: @adamhilllvrj
