Following in the footsteps of Chad Mendes and Michael McDonald, yet another Tachi Palace Fights alum has moved up to the big leagues and signed with the UFC. Jorge Lopez, a protege of Wanderlei Silva, announced via Twitter today that he had signed with the UFC, and further reporting by MMA Weekly revealed that he'll make his debut next month in New Orleans in a welterweight bout against TUF 13 cast-member, Justin Edwards at UFC Fight Night 25:

It's official! I'm signed to the biggest and best promotion in mma. I just finished signing my @UFC contract. Thanks @joesilva @danawhite

Jorge "Lil' Monster" Lopez (11-1)
Win David Marshall - TKO (retirement) - TPF 10
Win Waachim Spiritwolf (unam. decision) - TPF 9
Win Joey Gorczynski (unam. decision) - STFC 14

Justin Edwards (6-1)
Loss Clay Harvison (split decision) - TUF 13 Finale
Win Marcus Aijan (submission - guillotine) - Queen City Meltdown
Win Tony Parker (submission - guillotine) - Extreme IT Challenge

UFC Fight Night 25: Battle on the Bayou coverage