Following a loss to former welterweight Pat Healy at this past weekend's Strikeforce event, Blanco (8-3-1) is dropping from lightweight to featherweight and joining the UFC.
The fighter's management team at Sucker Punch Entertainment tweeted the news on Tuesday.
"[Blanco] will be back strong, very soon, this time at 145 pounds in the UFC," the message read.
UFC officials have not formally announced the move.
Blanco was a key Strikeforce acquisition, but the former World Victory Road/Sengoku fighter and King of Pancrase fizzled in his promotional debut, which took place Sept. 10 on the main card of "Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Kharitonov." After unorthodox and unsuccessful striking in the first round, in which he was tagged with a one-point deduction for illegal kicks, he tapped out to a rear-naked choke in the second round of the of the Showtime-televised bout.
The loss snapped Blanco's six-fight win streak, which included five knockout victories.
Before the win streak, the 27-year-old Venezuela had fought as heavy as 170 pounds before his move down to lightweight and signing with Sengoku.
A debut date and opponent have been determined for Blanco's octagon debut.
He adds depth to a division currently ruled by champion Jose Aldo.
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