Jiu-Jitsu standout Robert Drysdale has signed a deal with the UFC and will make his promotional debut at UFC 163 on Aug. 3, according to a Tuesday report by the Las Vegas Review Journal.
The fighter later confirmed to GRACIEMAG.com that he signed a four-fight deal and will face Ednaldo Oliveira at light heavyweight (205 pounds) for his debut fight.
“It’s something I’m truly excited about — being able to fight against the best in the world,” Drysdale said on Tuesday afternoon. “It was a bit of a surprise … Someone got injured, so they needed a replacement and I jumped at the opportunity.”
Drysdale is undefeated in his MMA career, sporting a 6-0 record, most recently finishing D.J. Linderman by rear-naked choke at Legacy FC 19 last April. All six of Drysdale’s wins have come by way of submission.
Oliveira last competed at UFC 142, a loss to Gabriel Gonzaga by rear-naked choke. The defeat was the first of his career, earning 13 wins, one draw and one no-contest prior to the loss.
UFC 163 takes place at the HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro, and is headlined by a featherweight title fight between champion Jose Aldo and Anthony Pettis.
