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The UFC's middleweight division just got a little deeper.
According to reports from MMA Weekly, Greg Jackson protégé Buddy Roberts (11-2) inked a deal with the UFC earlier this week. UFC officials have yet to make an announcement, though Roberts' manager, Ali Abdel-Aziz of Dominance MMA, has confirmed the signing.
Despite past experience at both heavyweight and light heavyweight, Roberts is expected to compete in the UFC's 185-pound division, where his 6'2" frame provides a more advantageous trump card.
The 29-year-old is an established and well-rounded finisher, with four knockouts and five submissions punctuating his 11 wins. Roberts rides into the UFC on the wings of a five-fight win streak, capped by a unanimous decision win over Tony Lopez last July.
Roberts also serves as a trainer at Team Jackson/Winkeljohn.
Roberts' debut date has yet to be announced, though UFC officials reportedly expect to tap his services sometime within the first quarter of 2012. Below is a video of his August 2010 bout with B.J. Lacy.