Up-and-coming heavyweight Stefan Struve has signed a new four fight contract with the UFC, which could see him with the promotion through 2011. News of Struve's new UFC contract was first reported by Fighters Only.

The lanky, 6'11" Struve only had one fight remaining on his previous four fight UFC contract. He was awarded a new, more lucrative contract after winning two out of his three UFC bouts.

Struve opened his UFC career in dismal fashion as he was destroyed in his UFC debut against Junior dos Santos at UFC 95 in February. He would then score a come from behind win over Denis Stojnic via second round submission at UFC 99 in a bout that saw Struve bleeding profusely from a gruesome cut sustained in the contest which later required stitches.

Struve most recently notched a first round submission win over undefeated UFC newcomer Chase Gormley at UFC 104 on Oct. 24. He took home an extra $60,000 as he earned "Submission of the Night" for his win over Gormley.

Overall, Struve has put together a 18-3 MMA record since making his pro debut in March 2005. He has finished all but one of his 18 career wins including 14 coming by submission. Struve holds notable career wins over the likes of Tom Blackledge, Colin Robinson and Mario Neto.

The first fight on Struve's new UFC contract could come against Paul Buentello at UFC 107 on Dec. 12 as he is one of the leading candidates to replace the injured Todd Duffee against Buentello.