Following UFC release, Rousimar Palhares signs with WSOF

LAS VEGAS – Controversial welterweight free agent Rousimar Palhares has found a new home.

World Series of Fighting officials today told USA TODAY Sports and MMAjunkie that the Brazilian submission ace has agreed to an exclusive, multi-fight deal with the Las Vegas-based promotion.

“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,” WSOF President Ray Sefo said.

Palhares (15-5), a 12-time UFC veteran, was released from the promotion following an October submission win over Mike Pierce. UFC President Dana White criticized Palhares for not letting go of a heel hook – a submission move that can cause serious damage to an opponent’s knee – immediately after his opponent both physically and verbally submitted.

In 2010 the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board suspended Palhares for a similar offense, and Sefo initially said his promotion wouldn’t be interested in signing the former top 10 middleweight. However, he said respected MMA legend Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira personally volunteered to help Palhares prepare for his WSOF debut and is not concerned about any potential for a repeat performance.

Although not official, Palhares is expected to make his WSOF debut in March 2014.

As for an opponent, WSOF officials said they’re still working on a matchup. However, WSOF officials recently expressed interest in signing former Bellator champion Ben Askren, who parted ways with his former home earlier this week. With the UFC apparently not interested in signing Askren, who’s ranked No. 7 in the USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie.com MMA welterweight rankings, sources close to the WSOF said the organization is interested in booking him against Palhares, though nothing has been signed.

For more on WSOF’s upcoming schedule, stay tuned to the MMA Rumors section of the site.