Another Strikeforce fighter has made the jump over to the UFC, but this time it’s not a heavyweight, but rather a featherweight: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu-standout, Milton Vieira. Vieira’s management revealed the signing to MMA Fighting:
His manager Nima Safapour of Alchemist Management confirmed the signing to MMA Fighting on Tuesday morning.
Vieira holds a second degree black belt in BJJ under Murilo Bustamente, head coach at Brazilian Top Team where Vieira trains alongside the UFC’s resident leg-mangler, Rousimar Palhares. Vieira is perhaps best known as being credited with inventing the Anaconda Choke, which he has used to great success, winning four MMA fights with it. Although the choke was made popular by Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, it was Vieira who taught him the move back when Nogueira was still training at BTT. “Miltinho” has fought all over the world, including for Asian promotions like Pride, DEEP, and Shoot, in Russia for M-1, and most recently, for Strikeforce in the lightweight division, but he will cut down to 145 lbs. for his UFC debut. No date or opponent has been determined for Vieira’s first fight, but we’ll keep you updated when that information becomes available.
Milton “Miltinho” Vieira (13-7-1)
W Sterling Ford (technical submission – brabo choke) – Strikeforce Challengers
W Bruno Lobato (submission – anaconda choke) – Bitetti Combat 9
W David Cubas (submission – armbar) – Bitetti Combat 7