Perpetuo (photo via Tapology.com)

By FCF Staff

Not long after it was relayed that highly regarded vet Tatsuya Kawajiri is heading to the UFC, news has surfaced that Shooto welterweight champ Hernani Perpetuo has signed with the promotion.

According to a report from MMA Fighting.com, Perpetuo is expected to make his UFC debut sometime in early 2014.

The 28 year-old welterweight laid claim to Shooto’s world title in August, by handing Tommy Depret a unanimous decision loss. Perpetuo has gone 8-1, with 1 no contest, in his last 10 fights.

The Brazilian is a member of the world renowned Nova Uniao team, which is home to UFC interim champ Renan Barao and featherweight champion Jose Aldo.