Into the fire-Phil Davis signs with the UFC: How will the UFC match Davis?

Light heavyweight Phil Davis's arrival in a major promotion has come sooner rather than later. The four time All American wrestler at Penn State has confirmed reports that he has a signed a multi fight deal with the UFC this week.

A 2008 NCAA national champion at 197 pounds, Davis 4-0 is a legit five star prospect despite only four professional bouts to his credit. In preparation for his transition to MMA Davis has trained at Lion Heart MMA, worked with Lloyd Irvin and currently calls Alliance Training Center in San Diego his home camp.

Davis last competed inside the cage in June at a show in Pittsburg, PA where he submitted David Baggett via rear naked choke in the first round. Surprisingly Davis has faced a good level an opposition for a fighter still learning his way around the cage. His opponents thus far have a combined record of 19-17.

Known for his text book takedowns and very active top game, Davis is one of the more aggressive wrestlers turned MMA prospects when it comes to attacking his opponents on the ground.

It will be interesting to see how Joe Silva and the UFC handle booking Davis. Middleweights Jake Rosholt and Aaron Simpson with paths similar to Davis; both came to the UFC with little cage experience but impressive amateur wrestling backgrounds. Rosholt, a wrestler out of Big 12 power Oklahoma State, came into the UFC with a 5-0 record, but was quickly cut after going 1-2 inside the Octagon.

Training out of Arizona Combat Sports after a successful wrestling career at Arizona State, Simpson came into the UFC with a 4-0 record and has defeated both Tim McKenzie and Ed Herman in two UFC bouts.

Will Davis be on a short leash like Rosholt? If, past history is any indication Davis will have to jump out to a fast start in order to keep his place in the Octagon.

Davis joins the UFC has one of the top prospects in all of mixed martial arts. Due to his age and all world amateur wrestling credentials, Davis is ranked number three in the ULTMMA50; a pound for pound list of the top 50 unsigned prospects in all of MMA.