Reigning Cage Rage Heavyweight Champion Mustapha Al-Turk has vacated the British Heavyweight belt after accepting a contract with the UFC.

Al-Turk has accepted a four fight deal with the UFC and will make his debut in the UFC this year in a possible fight against Cain Velasquez.

“I feel that I deserve to be there, I’ve got a lot of skill and I’ve earned my place,” he said. “I’ve worked really hard and I continue to work hard. You reap what you sow.

Al-Turk is one of the fastest rising heavyweights in the UK and won his Cage Rage belt after previous holder Tengiz Tedoradze was stripped of the title. Al-Turk is also known for having defeated Mark Kerr in one of his last few return bouts. His contract with Cage Rage expired and he immediately jumped at the chance to fight for UFC.

“It’s a step up with regard to the size of the shows and the level of opponent I will be facing, but that is how you get better,” he said.

About his fight with Velasquez, he could not confirm the fight but did mention that it would be a tough first fight as both of them have similar styles and he is really tough.

Al-Turk is a champion grappler and trains with the London Shootfighters Gym.