Former Pride Fighting Championship lightweight title-holder Takanori Gomi has signed a multi-fight contract with the UFC. News of Gomi's UFC signing was first reported by MMAFighting.com.

The UFC has yet to announce Gomi's signing, and it is not yet known when he will make his debut with the organization.

Gomi was also in negotiations with Strikeforce, however, the UFC's deal was believed to be more lucrative for him. Previously, the UFC almost landed "The Fireball Kid" in January 2008, as Gomi initially agreed to face Frankie Edgar, however, the deal ended up falling apart.

During his time with the now-defunct Pride organization (February 2004 to February 2007), Gomi was considered to be one of the best lightweights in the world. He put together a superb 13-1 (1 NC) record with Pride, scoring big wins over Jens Pulver, Luiz Azeredo (x2), Tatsuya Kawajiri, Hayato Sakurai and Mitsuhiro Ishida.

In addition to Pride, Gomi has fought the majority of his career with Shooto, putting together a stellar 13-1 record with the promotion. He notched notable wins under the Shooto banner against Rumina Sato, Leonardo Santos and Dokonjonosuke Mishima.

Gomi is currently on a two-fight winning streak, which includes wins over Takashi Nakakura and, most recently, over Tony Hervey at Vale Tudo Japan 2009 in October. He previously put together a 2-2 record with World Victory Road's Sengoku organization, losing his last two bouts with the Japanese promotion against Sergey Golyaev and Satoru Kitaoka.

Gomi has an overall 31-5 MMA record over his 11-year career. Seventeen of his 31 career wins have some via stoppage, while the other 14 have come by decision.

Gomi's UFC signing is very intriguing, as the UFC can create many interesting match ups against the current crop of UFC lightweights like Frankie Edgar. A Gomi vs. Edgar fight has been called upon by many fans.

Also, if Gomi puts together a couple of impressive wins over UFC contenders, then a rematch with UFC lightweight champion B.J. Penn is destined to be made. Penn previously scored a third-round submission win over Gomi at Rumble on the Rock 4 in October 2003.