UFC
Vinny Magalhaes reportedly makes UFC return at UFC 151 "Jones vs. Henderson"
Jul 16, 2012 - 10:45:43 PM

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

Vinny Magalhaes was released from the UFC in 2009 after two straight losses to Ryan Bader and Eliot Marshall. Since then, he's become a much more well-rounded fighter, winning seven of eight fights in increasingly impressive fashion, and it's brought him back to the Octagon.

According to a report from Tatame.com, Magalhaes has re-signed with the UFC, and is expected to return at UFC 151 on Sept. 1.

Magalhaes grew increasingly frustrated with M-1 Global while serving as their Light Heavyweight Champion, and has been in a public and verbal war with the Russian MMA organization for some time. Now, on the strength of a five-fight winning streak, he'll look to show UFC fans what he was unable to show them in his first stint.

He entered the UFC initially through The Ultimate Fighter, losing to Bader in the finals of season eight. He has always been a fantastic submission grappler, but his deficiencies in the striking game stood out in his two UFC bouts. That part of his game has improved immensely, and he'll look to prove himself as one of the top fighters in the 205 lb. division this time around.

Penick's Analysis: This signing has been anticipated for some time, and at the very least it's been hoped for by many fans. Magalhaes wasn't a complete fighter three years ago, and he'd be the first to admit that. Things are different in 2012, however, and he's much more suited to compete with the top end of the division now. Though he's been plying his trade against lesser competition, he should be able to hold his own as he comes back to the UFC. I'm very excited to see what he can do in the UFC this time around, and if you have any question why, just look up video of what he's done in the last few years.