Manny Tapia, Nam Phan Sign With Tachi Palace Fights

Former WEC bantamweight title challenger Manny Tapia and recent Sengoku featherweight Nam Phan have signed with Tachi Palace Fights, the promotion has announced.

Tapia (10-3-1) and Phan (15-6) will compete on Feb. 4 at the promotion's Champions Collide card in Lemoore, Calif. The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt Phan will take on Isaac De Jesus (8-1) of Team Buhawe, while the stand-up fighter Tapia will face an opponent to be determined.

Tapia fought last month for the WEC in a decision loss to Eddie Wineland. The loss was his third straight since falling short against Miguel Torres at WEC 37 in December 2008. Prior to his loss to Torres, Tapia was unbeaten with 10 wins and one draw.

Phan joined Sengoku in 2009, beating former Shooto champion Hideki Kadowaki in May before losing to Sengoku GP runner-up Michihiro Omigawa in May. His deal with Tachi Palace Fights is for three fights.