UFC welterweight  Brad Blackburn has been rewarded with a new four-fight deal from the UFC following a 3-0 start in the promotion, according to sources at MMAjunkie.com.

Blackburn is not expected to fight until early 2010 however, as he recently underwent surgery on an injured shoulder. The surgery was originally thought to be only a minor procedure,  but doctors discovered a more serious problem in the course of their work.

Blackburn first signed with the UFC last summer, following the folding of IFL. He is unbeaten is his last six bouts, including victories against James Giboo, Ryo Chonan and Edgar Garcia within the sport's leading promotion. Prior to entering the UFC, Blackburn was 4-2 (1 No-Contest) in IFL, with notable wins over Chris Wilson, Jay Hieron and Delson Heleno.

The 32-year-old Blackburn holds an overall record of 15-9-1 during 8 years of professional competition. Out of his 15 career wins, 11 have came via stoppage including 8 by TKO or KO. Blackburn also holds a win over current MFC lightweight champion Pat Healy.