Hioki becomes the latest Japanese transfer to test UFC waters
Former Sengoku champion Hatsu Hioki will make his long-awaited UFC debut against George Roop on Oct. 29 at UFC 137.
UFC officials announced the fight on Saturday afternoon.
UFC 137 takes place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center and is headlined by a UFC welterweight title fight between Georges St-Pierre and former Strikeforce welterweight champion Nick Diaz.
Hioki is 12-1-1 in last last fourteen fights, with the lone loss coming to Michihiro Omigawa. He owns two notable victories over UFC featherweight contender Mark Hominick, and also holds wins over tough contenders Marlon Sandro and Rumina Sato.
Roop has experienced a career resurgence after going to a draw with Leonard Garcia in a thrilling fight last March. He defeated Chan Sung Jung via spectacular head kick before losing to Hominick, but rebounded with a stunning and decisive win over Josh Grispi.