“Goyito” is headed to Combate Americas.

Popular former UFC bantamweight Erik Pérez has signed a multi-fight exclusive contract with the promotion, MMA Fighting has learned.

“We are thrilled to welcome ‘Goyito’ Pérez, the top Mexican fighter in the sport of MMA, and look forward to having him compete in La Jaula,” Combate CEO Campbell McLaren said.

Pérez’s promotional debut isn’t set yet, though the current plan is for him to fight in January.

Pérez (17-6), who hasn’t competed this year due to a knee injury, has won his last 3 fights in a row and was 7-2 inside the Octagon. He was not released by the UFC, rather he chose to sign with Combate Americas after fighting out his contract.

The promotion’s next event, Copa Combate, on Nov. 11, features an eight-man bantamweight tournament, and there is a strong chance, according to sources, that the winner will fight Pérez in early 2018.