Flyweight Jussier da Silva finally signs with the UFC

World-ranked flyweight Jussier da Silva

Jussier da Silva's manager and trainer Andre Pederneiras has confirmed that the former number-one ranked flyweight has finally signed with the UFC. His debut is currently unknown. However, MMAWeekly has speculated that it could come as early as UFC 152 this fall.

"Formiga" burst onto the national flyweight scene when he upset then Shooto world champion Shinichi "BJ" Kojima in a non-title fight back in 2009. Prior to that contest, he had already built an undefeated 6-0 record and bested Michael William Costa for the Shooto South American 123-pound belt.

Da Silva made his U.S. debut with a victory over Danny Martinez at Tachi Palace Fights 7. He was expected to fight for the promotion's inaugural title, but he was upset by Ian McCall. McCall went on to capture that title and then move to the UFC to participate in their inaugural flyweight tournament.

Since the loss to McCall, Da Silva has won five-straight fights including a decision over perennial flyweight contender and former two-division Shooto world champion Mamoru Yamaguchi.

Joseph Benavidez and Demetrious Johnson will fight in the finals of the UFC's flyweight tournament to determine a champion at UFC 152.