We've got some good news for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fans. A week before his next fight, former Strikeforce Middleweight champion Ronaldo Souza has signed a new deal with Forza, LLC.

MMA Fighting reported the story first on Saturday:

According to Souza's manager, Gilberto Faria, the fighter more commonly known as "Jacare" has signed a new five-fight contract with Forza LLC, a subsidiary of Zuffa LLC, which is the parent company of the UFC. Forza LLC is the parent company of Strikeforce, however, Strikeforce will cease operations as of next week.

Faria told MMAFighting.com that the hope is that once Strikeforce closes its doors next weekend, the contract will be transferred over to the UFC, which has been the case with many other now former Strikeforce fighters. The contract extension certainly appears to be a vote of confidence from the Zuffa brass.

Jacare (16-3, 1 NC) has long been consider one of the top talents in the 185 lb. division. He sports one of the best grappling resumes in MMA with both World Jiu Jitsu and ADCC championships under his belt. His striking has been improving as well, illustrated by a first round KO of UFC 155's Derek Brunson in his last fight.

On January 12 he'll fight UFC Middleweight Ed Herman at Strikeforce's final event Strikeforce: Marquardt vs. Saffiedine.