UFC signs top Euro light heavyweight Ivan Serati

[leedogg900]

The Ultimate Fighting Championship has inked a multi-fight deal with talented Italian light heavyweight Ivan Serati (10-2).

Serati, a Cage Rage veteran, joins a growing number of European fighters who have recently signed with the UFC as the organization continues to expand throughout Europe.

Sources close to Serati told MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps | MMAjunkie.com) of the signing over the weekend, though terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Serati is an aggressive striker with heavy hands who has fought most of his career in the regional UK scene. Eight of his 10 pro wins have come via knockout or submission due to strikes.

Debuting in 2006, Serati made an explosive start to his career by stopping his first five opponents with strikes. Not a single opponent survived more than 60 seconds.

However in his sixth career bout, at an April 2007 Cage Rage event, Serati suffered his first loss -- a first-round TKO to former UFC light heavyweight champion Vitor Belfort (17-8).

Serati is currently on a four fight win streak. He's stopped all four opponents in that stretch -- with three of the wins coming in the first round.

Serati is expected to make his UFC debut before year's end.

Source: UFC signs top Euro light heavyweight Ivan Serati | MMAjunkie.com

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[Badluck_33]

great! Now the LHW division gets even more deeper. But I could see this guy being a rebound fight to a big name fighter or a stepping stone just to evaluate his talent. A fight with Chuck Liddell in the U.K. would make sense if Chuck doesn't fight Silva. Or even Wanderlei would be a nice matchup for this guy.

still this division is stack'D!

[smoogy]

Belfort totally ran this guy over, he might be good by European standards but he will have a hell of a time even breaking into the top 20.

[jlruthven84]

Originally Posted by smoogy

Belfort totally ran this guy over, he might be good by European standards but he will have a hell of a time even breaking into the top 20.

Yeah, and it wasn't even the new, rejuvenated Belfort, it was the slightly saggy, cornrow version.

[atj-lucko]

Originally Posted by smoogy

Belfort totally ran this guy over, he might be good by European standards but he will have a hell of a time even breaking into the top 20.

Agree what can this guy do against the best, something telling me he's not gonna run through the division.

[Badluck_33]

So if Rashad had a hard time with Tito and Chuck beat Tito; than Rashad should have a hard time with Chuck?

I'm not saying he'll plow through the division but he still has a "puncher's chance." I think the UFC will use this guy as a stepping stone in hopes of a good draw. Having a guy who is known in Europe who can slug vs. and American slugger would make on a good card for a U.k. ppv.

[LethalStriker]

I guess Sakara isn't working out for UFC the way that they'd have hoped so they're looking for a new potential Italian poster boy.