Update: Bellator Signs Brazilian Prospect Thiago Michel

Bellator Fighting Championships has inked Brazilian lightweight prospect Thiago Michel Pereira Silva to an exclusive, multi-fight contract, Sherdog.com confirmed Tuesday with a source close to the fighter.

The 27-year-old, known simply as Thiago Michel on the Brazilian circuit, is expected to make his Bellator debut in October or November, during Bellator’s fifth season. While not yet confirmed by the promotion, Sherdog.com has learned that Silva is being eyed as a participant in a possible sixth-season lightweight tournament.

In April, Silva rebounded from the second loss of his pro career by earning a stoppage win over Erick Barbosa under the Brazil Fight banner. Prior to his November loss to Alessandro Ferreira, the Brazilian had won three straight contests.

A champion kickboxer, Thiago Michel is best known for his elite-level striking. Since turning professional in 2006, the lightweight has fought the entirety of his MMA career in his native Brazil. Michel has never been to a decision and owns all but two of his victories by knockout. Only bested twice as a professional, the Brazilian fell in both of his defeats by submission.

This item was updated at 1:28 p.m. ET with additional information obtained by Sherdog.com.