Nike close to signing third UFC champion

Sportswear giant Nike are reportedly close to signing UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos.

According to MMAFighting.com, talks are being held between Dos Santos and Nike with a deal close to being agreed.

Nike have decided to move into the world of Mixed Martial Arts over the last 12 months, signing sponsorship deals with UFC title holders Anderson Silva and Jon Jones.

Dos Santos would become the third current UFC champion to be associated with Nike in some capacity.

The unbeaten Brazilian star is back in action before the end of 2012, defending his title in a rematch against Cain Velasquez in Las Vegas on Saturday, December 29.