After a brief stint on the free agent market former Bellator lightweight champion Will Brooks has signed with the UFC. The signing was announced on Wednesday and an opponent for Brooks as already set up as well.

Brooks (17-1) will face Ross Pearson at the “Ultimate Fighter” season 23 finale on July 8 in Las Vegas. Brooks is the former lightweight champion of Bellator but he never actually lost the title. His contract was up for renewal and his services were not retained by the organization. The parting of ways seemed to be a mutual feeling as Brooks had publicly stated his unhappiness with Bellator.

In Brooks the UFC has signed one of the top lightweights and the man who has defeated the face of Bellator, Michael Chanlder, on two separate occasions. Brooks is currently riding an eight-fight winning streak. During his three-year run in Bellator he compiled a 9-1 record and will now look to continue his winning ways in the UFC.

Brooks will get a stiff test in Pearson (19-10) who is coming off a decision win back in March. If Brooks can easily take care of Pearson then there should be no reason why his second bout will not be against a top 10 lightweight.