Well, this was unexpected.

ProElite is expected to stage its third event on Jan. 21, 2012, at the Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, Hawaii. That's not surprising. The fact that a middleweight bout pitting Ikuhisa Minowa vs. Kendall Grove certainly is.

MMAFighting.com recently brought word of the pending match-up. 

They also report that "Minowaman," who will be making his debut with the promotion while fighting stateside for the first time in over 90 career fights, has signed a three-fight North American exclusive deal. Rumors had circulated that "The Punk" had signed with UFC and would appear on its Japan card this February.

Nope.

Minowa, one of the most beloved Japanese fighters you'll find, finally makes his way west after winning his last four fights in a row. Can he make it to five against a former Ultimate Fighter (TUF) winner?

Kendall Grove isn't exactly the Hulk Hogan of the mixed martial arts world but ProElite is certainly hitching their wagon to the once promising middleweight.

After winning TUF 3 back in 2006, "Da Spyder" embarked on a rocky five year run with the UFC that mercifully ended this past May following his second consecutive loss and a stunningly mediocre 8-6 record. 

That didn't stop ProElite from quickly scooping him up and putting him up against Joe Riggs this past Aug. 27. Grove won easily, too, choking "Diesel" out and avenging an earlier loss.

A win over Minowa could mean Grove will become the new face of the promotion. Stay tuned.

ProElite 3 is currently expected to take place on Jan. 21 in Hawaii and, on top of Grove vs. Minowa, will reportedly feature the return of Sara McMann along with the continuation of the heavyweight tournament.

Stay tuned to MMAmania.com for further updates on this still-developing fight card.