http://mmajunkie.com/news/27007/pride-and-strikeforce-vet-miltinho-vieira-signs-with-ufc.mmaMiltinho Vieira (13-7-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC), a veteran competitor who's
credited with the invention of the anaconda choke, has signed a
four-fight deal with the UFC.
The fighter's management team at Alchemist Management today announced the deal.
No debut date or opponent have been announced for the featherweight fighter.
However, Vieira, a native Brazilian, is certainly a possibility for the
UFC's planned June return to Brazil, which takes place in Sao Paulo.
Vieira, 33, most recently fought at Strikeforce Challemgers 18, where he
made his promotional debut and earned a submission victory (via brabo
choke) over Sterling Ford. It marked his third straight win and his
fifth victory in his past six fights. However, he's registered just
three fights in the past two years.
Vieira, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt (under Murilo Bustamente) who
is part of Brazilian Top Team, has competed for organizations such as
PRIDE, DEEP and Bitetti Combat since turning pro in 2001. Nine of his 13
wins have come via submission. Most of his losses have come to known
names, including Jake Shields, Hayato Sakurai and Luiz Azeredo.