World Series of Fighting signs top free agent welterweight Rousimar Palhares
Submission ace signs exclusive, multi-fight deal and is expected to debut in 2014
World Series of Fighting is happy to announce the addition of Brazilian jiu-jitsu ace Rousimar Palhares to the company's welterweight roster.
The submission master signed a multi-fight deal with the promotion and is expected to debut in the World Series of Fighting decagon in early 2014.
"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.
A 33-year-old Brazilian native, Palhares made his professional debut in 2006. For the past five-plus years, he's competed for the UFC, picking up eight wins during that time, including six victories by submission.
Palhares has been the subject of much public scrutiny since his release from the UFC following a 31-second submission win over Mike Pierce in which the Brazilian did not immediately let go of the heel hook that ended the fight. However, Palhares and his camp have vowed to avoid any further potentially unsportsmanlike transgressions.
MMA legend Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira has also volunteered to help coach Palhares and help improve his mental focus in the cage.
"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," Palhares' manager, Alex 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's signing comes less than two weeks before World Series of Fighting hosts its first Canadian event with "WSOF 7: Kharakanyan vs. Palmer" on Dec. 7 at the PNE Agrodome in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Georgi Karakhanyan and Lance Palmer headline the NBCSN-televised card, competing for the inaugural WSOF featherweight title. The telecast starts at 6 p.m. PT/9 p.m. ET and is preceded by undercard fights streaming live on www.wsof.com beginning at 3:30 p.m. PT/6:30 p.m. ET.
