Japanese MMA veteran Tatsuya Kawajiri has signed with the UFC.
“The Crusher,” whose professional MMA career began in April 2000, is hoping to make his Octagon debut as a featherweight on the UFC’s Jan. 4 card in Singapore, according to sources with knowledge of the situation.
MMA Junkie first reported the signing. The UFC has to officially announce the news.
The 35-year-old Kawajiri enters the UFC with a 32-7-2 record. He is 4-0 since dropping down to featherweight and has won his last five fights overall. His last loss came against Gilbert Melendez for the Strikeforce lightweight title in April 2011. He holds notable wins over Josh Thomson, JZ Cavalcante, Joachim Hansen and Yves Edwards.
Kawajiri has fought for Shooto, PRIDE, DREAM and ONE FC throughout his MMA career.