Word making the rounds backstage is that Emily Hightower — daughter of former UTA powerhouse David Hightower — has officially put pen to paper on a deal with United Toughness Alliance.

Emily has long been on the radar of talent scouts due to her athletic pedigree and her growing reputation on the independent circuit. Sources say she impressed officials not only with her physical ability but also with a chip-on-the-shoulder intensity reminiscent of her father’s early days.

Her signing comes at a time when the UTA Women’s Division is already red hot, with Valkyrie Knox holding the championship, Amy Harrison wreaking havoc, Marie Van Claudio returning, and rising stars like Susanita Ybáñez and Angela Hall establishing themselves. Adding Emily into the mix is expected to only pour more fuel onto an already blazing fire.

Some insiders are speculating that Emily could debut as soon as The Great Southern Trendkill in Lawton, Oklahoma, while others suggest management may want to hold off for a bigger stage later this fall. Either way, her arrival is generating a buzz both in the locker room and with longtime fans who remember the Hightower legacy.

As always with rumors, take it with a grain of salt — but don’t be surprised if Emily Hightower’s name is making headlines on UTA programming very soon.