by MMAjunkie.com Staff on Oct 21, 2009 at 8:00 am ET
Rolles Gracie (3-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC), part of MMA’s legendary Gracie clan, has signed a multi-fight deal with the UFC and is expected to meet fellow heavyweight Mostapha Al-Turk (6-5 MMA, 0-2 UFC) at UFC 109 in February.
Gracie and his management team announced the signing via Twitter on late Tuesday.
Although not officially announced by the organization, UFC 109 is expected to take place Feb. 6 in Las Vegas.
Gracie, the son of Rolls Gracie (who’s uncle was Helio Gracie), made his pro debut in 2007 with the International Fight League. The second-degree Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt defeated Sam Holloway via submission but wouldn’t fight again for nearly two years.
Gracie returned with the China-based Art of War promotion this year and moved his record to 3-0 with a pair of additional submission victories over Baga Agaev in May and Peter Graham in September.
He now meets Al Turk, who’s likely fighting for his life in the UFC. The former Cage Rage fighter lost to Cheick Kongo at UFC 92 in his octagon debut, and six months later, fought late replacement Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic at UFC 99. Aided by an illegal (but accidental) eye poke, Filipovic posted a first-round TKO victory.
Al Turk had won six of seven fights (all via first-round stoppage) prior to the back-to-back losses.
For complete coverage of UFC 109, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of MMAjunkie.com.
(Pictured: Rolles Gracie)
