NEW YORK, NY (November 3, 2010) – Shine Fight Promotions (Shine Fights) today announced that they have signed UFC veteran lightweight Efrain Escudero to a multi-fight contract. The Mexican lightweight is best known as the winner of Spike TV’s The Ultimate Fighter season eight. Training under recent Shine Fights Lightweight Grand Prix victor Drew Fickett, Escudero has carved out a reputation for himself as an exciting fighter that always lays it all on the line for the entertainment of fight fans.
“I’m very excited to have Efrain sign on with us,” stated Shine Fights COO Jason Chambers. “I have tremendous confidence in his abilities, and look forward to seeing him make waves in our growing lightweight division.”
A former All American wrestler, the 5’9”, 155-pound Escudero holds a 13-2 record overall, which includes a 3-2 mark in the UFC. The submission specialist began his career in respected regional promotion Rage in the Cage in 2006. In his first ten fights, Escudero went undefeated, with nine of his wins coming via submission. From there, he was chosen to join the cast of The Ultimate Fighter season eight, where he continued his undefeated streak. He faced and beat Ido Pariente to earn his spot in the TUF house. Escudero followed that up with submission victories over Shane Nelson and Junie Browning to garner a spot in the finals. There, he conquered Phillipe Nover by decision to become that season’s winner.
During the course of his career, Escudero has defeated Cole Miller and Dan Lauzon, in addition to Nover. He has also faced Evan Dunham and Charles Oliveira. Despite his winning record in the Octagon, Escudero was recently faced with the adversity of being cut from the UFC roster. Now, he’ll look to right his ship within the confines of Shine Fights.
“Going to Shine is the first step to becoming a world champion. As far as my career goes, things happen, and I don’t live in the past. I’m excited to get this show in the road…Shine, here I come!”
No date has been finalized for Escudero’s Shine Fights debut, but an announcement is expected shortly.
The Shine web site is currently under construction however, you can follow the organization on Twitter @ShineFightsMMA.
