One of mixed martial arts' most controversial fighters is coming to World Series of Fighting.

The promotion has signed former UFC welterweight Rousimar Palhares, according to sources with knowledge of the situation. Palhares, who signed a four-fight 18-month contract, is expected to debut in March 2014.

WSOF officials could not be reached to confirm the signing when contacted by MMAFighting.com.

Palhares (15-5) was released by the UFC in October after he held on to a heel-hook submission against Mike Pierce too long. The ugly ending marred what was otherwise a brilliant welterweight debut for Palhares, who submitted Pierce in 31 seconds.

In addition to last month's controversy, the 33-year-old was suspended 90 days by the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board for also holding on to a submission too long against Tomasz Drwal at UFC 111 in 2010. He did the same thing twice in 2007, prior to his UFC career, and he pulled the same stunt in jiu-jitsu competitions and in training, too.

Palhares will now look to rebuild his reputation in the up-and-coming WSOF.