Maximo Blanco is headed south for the winter.

True, he may make a stop in Venezuela, but I'm referring to his change in weight classes, as his management team reports on Facebook that "Maxi" is already bound for the UFC featherweight division for his next fight.

The sudden, if not entirely unexpected change, comes on the heels of a second round submission loss to Pat Healy on the Strikeforce: "Barnett vs. Kharitonov" fight card last Saturday night (Sept. 10) on Showtime.

It was a fight that Blanco clearly had control of -- until "Bam Bam" roared back and choked him out with a gritty display of heart and determination.

And some good ol' fashioned wrestling didn't hurt either.

Prior to his stateside debut in Cincinnati, Blanco (8-3-1) spent his entire professional career competing on the Japanese circuit.

"The Max Murderer" has finished seven of his eight contests by way of technical knockout and was riding a six-fight win streak heading into "Queen City," including a unanimous decision victory over Won Sik Park at Sengoku "Soul of Fight" late last year.

Anyone think he can replicate his overseas success as a UFC featherweight? Or was he simply a big fish in a little pond?

How about it Maniacs, what's the future hold for Blanco at 145-pounds?