Shine Fights signs Murilo “Ninja” Rua to exclusive U.S. deal

Mixed martial arts fans hoping to see former EliteXC middleweight champion Murilo “Ninja” Rua in the Ultimate Fighting Championship or Strikeforce anytime soon may be disappointed.

Ron Foster, the matchmaker for the up-and-coming Shine Fights promotion, today confirmed with MMAjunkie.com that the organization has signed Rua to an exclusive three-fight U.S. deal.

Rua (17-10-1) is expected to make his promotional debut in early 2010, possibly against UFC and Strikeforce vet Falaniko Vitale (26-9).

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3. Six-time IFL vet Jamal Patterson signs multi-fight deal with Shine Fights
4. Shine Fights signs Abu Dhabi champ Braulio Estima to multi-fight deal
5. Murilo ‘Ninja’ Rua Targeting Back-to-Back DREAM, Shine Fights