The UFC inked California-circuit mainstay Michael Guymon to a four-fight deal. Guymon gave up his King of the Cage welterweight championship in order to make the jump and expects to debut at UFC Fight Night 20 on Jan. 11 in Virginia. Guymon had recently been arrested for attempting suicide and framed the signing as deeply redeeming.
The industry leader also signed undefeated King of the Cage Canada champion Rory MacDonald to a multi-fight deal, along with New England prospect Ricardo Funch and grizzled lightweight Fabricio Camoes. MacDonald may be matched against Guymon; Funch will face Johny Hendricks in December, and Camoes will lock horns with Caol Uno at UFC 106 in November.
Strikeforce landed a key talent, as well.
One of the hottest prospects in the sport, undefeated wrestler Muhammed Lawal, has inked a multi-fight deal with Strikeforce and will likely debut in December. Lawal, who has fought at heavyweight and light heavyweight, will cut to 205 pounds for Strikeforce competition.