1st Rd Management signs UFC's Diego Brandao

Diego “Ceara” Brandao has signed a representation agreement with First Round Management, President and CEO Malki Kawa announced.  Brandao most recently became the first Brazilian fighter to win The Ultimate Fighter, taking top honors in the season 14 finale.

“Diego is one of the top, rising fighters in the Featherweight division,” Kawa said. ”I see a very bright future for him in the UFC, and I am ecstatic that First Round Management will be able assist him professionally, while helping him to focus solely on his training moving forward.”

“This is a great time for me as a fighter. With a big fight coming up in May, it is very important that I am able to concentrate fully on my training. First Round Management represents some of the top fighters in the world, and I know that this move will help me to become a better fighter,” Brandao added.

Brandao holds a professional MMA record of 19-7.  His next scheduled fight is on May 26 at UFC 146 against Darren Elkins. .

In his last fight, Brandao submitted Dennis Bermudez at The Ultimate Fighter 14 finale in December, earning him both Fight of the Night and Submission of the Night honors. He has won by knockout or submission in 12 of his 19 victories.

The 24 year-old native of Manaus, Brazil currently trains in Albuquerque, N.M. at Jackson’s MMA.  He holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which he began training in at the age of 14 following his father’s death.  In 2006, Brandao moved to the U.S. full-time to continue his MMA training.

Fans can follow Brandao on his Twitter handle, @DiegoBrandaoMMA, or on Facebook at facebook.com/DiegoBoomBrandao.