UFC Signs Welterweight Prospect Mike Rhodes, Will Debut at UFC on Fox 10

The UFC added depth to its welterweight division Sunday when it signed Mike "Biggie" Rhodes, the hard-hitting champion from Resurrection Fighting Alliance. Rhodes will reportedly debut for the promotion later this month at UFC on Fox 10.

The 24-year-old Rhodes (6-1) announced the news on his Twitter account Sunday, as did trainer Duke Roufus, head of the Roufusport camp in Milwaukee, where Rhodes is headquartered. 

"

Yes everyone its TRUE i have signed with the @ufc i am so thankful for this opportunity. Thank you @dukeroufus @MMAInc for making possible

— Michael (@TeamRocBiggie) January 13, 2014"

"

Congrats @TeamRocBiggie on signing w/the @ufc I still love making the call…u want to fight for the #UFC ? @UFCONFOX #UFConFOX10 #Chicago

— Duke Roufus (@dukeroufus) January 13, 2014"

A report from MMAWeekly.com also stated that Rhodes will debut January 25 at UFC on Fox 10, where he will face longtime veteran and fellow UFC debutante George Sullivan. 

A boxer at heart who transitioned to MMA, Rhodes captured the RFA welterweight title in October when he outwrestled and outworked fellow prospect Alan Jouban at RFA 10. 

The Iowa native's only defeat as a pro was to Brandon Thatch, the super prospect who is now 2-0 in the UFC since signing last year. Since that loss, Rhodes has won two in a row. 

“After those feelings went away, I wanted to never feel that way again,” Rhodes said in an exclusive interview with Bleacher Report. “It gave me a different kind of swagger.”

Rhodes is just the latest RFA alum to move to the UFC. Officials with RFA have openly said they view the promotion as a kind of feeder league to the UFC. 

In addition to Rhodes, RFA alums who have recently made the leap to the Octagon include Thatch, Sergio Pettis and James Krause.