LAS VEGAS -- One of the world's top free agents, light-heavyweight Ricardo Arona, is seeking a deal with the UFC, he told MMA Fighting.After a pair of brief meetings over the last two days, Arona was scheduled to meet with UFC President Dana White at the conclusion of UFC 114.
Arona, who is 14-5 and last fought in the Brazil-based Bitetti promotion, said that if a deal is signed, he hopes to make his octagon debut in October or November, after rehabbing an injured knee.
"It's going to be great, because everyone is waiting for it, especially me," Arona said. "I really want to come here to the UFC."
Arona was one of the top 205-pounders in the world in 2005, advancing to the PRIDE Grand Prix title fight, where he lost to current UFC light-heavyweight champ Mauricio "Shogun" Rua.
Since then, Arona has battled through a series of injuries and illnesses, and has only competed three times since 2006, going 2-1. He holds notable wins over Strikeforce heavyweight champ Alistair Overeem and MMA legends Wanderlei Silva and Dan Henderson.
Asked who he'd like to fight in his debut, Arona said all he was seeking was a chance.
"I've been asked before, but I don't have one guy I prefer," he said. "I just want to be inside the [octagon]."
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