UFC Signs Top-Ranked Flyweight Jussier da Silva To Contract

[No More Sorrow]

One of the most glaring omissions in the burgeoning Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Flyweight division has just been corrected.

Nova Uniao's Jussier da Silva (14-1), according to manager Andre Pederneiras and the man himself, has just signed with the world's leading mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion, adding yet another intriguing element to the growing 125-pound division.


Da Silva, better known as "Formiga" ("ant" in Portuguese), burst onto the scene with an upset decision win over then-top dog Shinichi "BJ" Kojima back in 2009, usurping his place as number one in the division. Da Silva has since gone 7-1, his sole loss coming at the hands of UFC contender Ian McCall with a win over Mamoru Yamaguchi following immediately after.


"Formiga" packs a nasty grappling game, with his airtight back control of particular note. While he struggled for a long time with finishing from there, his last four victories have come via tapout.


With McCall, Joseph Benavidez and Demetrious Johnson at the top and guys like "Formiga," Chris Cariaso and John Dodson in the wings, the 125-pound division is turning into a shark tank at breakneck speed.

This is a pretty big signing even if it doesn't seem it, people have been begging the UFC to sign this guy since they opened the Flyweight division. Expect him to get a title shot after one fight.