Xtreme Couture's Mike Pyle Signs With UFC, On-Deck as UFC 98 Replacement if Needed

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MMA Junkie has learned that welterweight Mike "Quicksand" Pyle, a welterweight and grappling instructor at Xtreme Couture, has signed a contract with the UFC, and is being tapped as a last-minute replacement if any of the welterweights on Saturday's UFC 98 card are forced to drop out at the last minute:

MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) learned from sources close to the event that Pyle has signed a contract with the organization and has been told to be ready to step into Saturday's event.

Compiling a 17-5-1 record with stints in Strikeforce, Affliction, EliteXC, IFL, WEC, and Sengoku, Pyle has amassed a good deal of experience on the big stage, and has fought notable 170-lb'ers such as Jake Shields, Matt Horwich, Gustavo Machado, Brian Gassaway, Shonie Carter, and Rory Markham.  Known for his outstanding BJJ skills, Pyle also handed Jon Fitch the only submission loss of his career in Fitch's first pro fight back in 2003. Interestingly, Pyle made his pro debut against Quinton "Rampage" Jackson (it was Rampage's pro debut as well) in 1999, with Rampage winning a decision, although it's unclear what weight the two competed at.

Although the UFC does not currently need a replacement for Saturday's event, they reportedly are keeping an eye on Chris Wilson, who's scheduled to face Brock Larson on the preliminary card.  As was reported already on BE, Wilson and his family were victims of a terrifying armed robbery at their home in Brazil last week, and it appears that the UFC is worried that, despite Wilson's claims that he'll be able to compete, he may end up dropping out due to the recent trauma.

This would not be the first time that the UFC signed a fighter to keep on-hold for an upcoming card, if there was any indication that a fighter scheduled to compete might drop out at the last minute.