By:  | November 6, 2020 4:57 am

Sasha Palatnikov has signed for the UFC. The Hong Kong born middleweight took to Instagram to announce the news:

 

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Incredibly happy to announce that I have signed a multi-fight contract with the @ufc!!! I am beyond excited for this opportunity and cannot wait to be the first Hong Kong representative to fly the flag in that cage! ——————————————— None of this would be possible without the guidance from @bigwoodmma702 @syndicatemma my management team @rubyse @dannyrube for making this all happen! @primetimeperformance1 has brought so much to my game & I can’t wait for what the future holds love you guys!Everyone that has helped me through this journey my teammates and training partners all over the world I appreciate you! ———————————————————————————My fiancé @mauvkla for being my push day in & day out helping me stay accountable everyday. I love you so much mon coeur ❤️ ———————————————— #ufc #contract #secured #letsgo #goals #wecoming #ruby #rubyse #mma #fighter #life #fight #fightnight #athlete #sponsored #timetowork #ko #comingsoon #enjoythejourney #followmyjourney #travel #lasvegas #hongkong #usa #korean #announcement #debut #blessed #excited #oss

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Palatnikov boasts a record of 5-2 and is the reigning AFC middleweight champion. He has spent virtually  his entire career competing in Asia and has fought in Hong Kong, Korea, China and Abu Dhabi.

In his most recent outing Palatnikov stopped Paulo Henrique in the opening round at UAE Warriors 13. Last year he scored a unanimous decision win over Sung Wun Son at AFC 12 to become the Korean promotion’s first ever middleweight champion.

His only recent loss came at the hands of Mounir Lazzez at UAE Warriors 8. The Moroccan welterweight would subsequently be snapped up by the UFC and made a successful debut in Abu Dhabi earlier this year.

Palatnikov was born and raised in Hong Kong but is currently in Las Vegas training at Syndicate MMA. There is no word on when or where he will be making his UFC debut.