The World Series of Fighting has added another former UFC fighter to their roster as welterweight Rousimar Palhares has signed an exclusive, multi-fight deal with the Las Vegas based organization.
The signing was officially announced in a press release by the World Series of Fighting on Tuesday.
“Rousimar is one of the most talented athletes in mixed martial arts, and we’re excited to have him as a part of our organization,” World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo said.
Palhares (15-5) was released by the UFC in October following his 31 second submission victory against Mike Pierce at UFC Fight Night 29. After Pierce tapped to the heel hook submission, he held onto the hold after the referee attempted to get him to release the hold.
This was the second time in the UFC that he held onto a submission longer than he needed to. Back in 2008, he held onto a heel hook against Tomasz Drwal and received a suspension of 90 days for not letting go of the submission once Drwal tapped out. According to Palhares manager, UFC heavyweight Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira will be working with Palhares on the mental side of the sport.
“Rodrigo Nogueira and I would like to thank the World Series of Fighting team for working with us and signing Rousimar Palhares to fight in their promotion,” Davis said. “We believe that Rousimar will become World Series of Fighting champion and give World Series of Fighting and its fans many great fights.”
Palhares is expected to make his debut with the World Series of Fighting in early 2014.