The UFC has added another welterweight clash to the UFC 189 pay-per-view event in Las Vegas.
Stephen Thompson, winner of his last four bouts, is set to meet welterweight veteran Jake Ellenberger at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on July 11. The UFC announced the match-up following a report by ESPN.
Undefeated since his MMA first loss, a unanimous decision versus Matt Brown in 2012, Thompson (10-1) enters the Octagon coming off wins over Nah-shon Burrell, Chris Clements, Robert Whittaker and Patrick Cote.
Ellenberger (30-9), on the other hand, tapped former title contender Josh Koscheck to bounce back from a three-fight skid, which included a decision to Rory MacDonald and stoppages against Robbie Lawler and Kelvin Gastelum.
Speaking with ESPN, Ellenberger revealed he initially agreed to meet Tyron Woodley, but the American Top Team star declined the offer. Woodley had quite the response.
“I just don’t think a guy who is coming off three losses, who beats a guy who is also on a losing streak, is a legitimate opponent for me right now,” Woodley said to ESPN. “It’s not like I’m trying to fight scrubs. The two guys I called out are a former champion in Johny Hendricks and a former title contender in Carlos Condit. I’m not reaching down, trying to get guys ranked lower than me. I’ve put myself in a position to fight for a title and really cash out on the time I’ve put into this sport. No disrespect to Jake, but he wants to be where I’m at right now. Nice try. I’m looking for Johny Hendricks.”
Headlined by Jose Aldo vs. Conor McGregor, UFC 189 will feature other five welterweight bouts, including Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald for the 170-pound championship.
Jose Aldo vs. Conor McGregor
Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald
Gunnar Nelson vs. John Hathaway
Brandon Thatch vs. John Howard
Matt Brown vs. Tim Means
Dennis Bermudez vs. Jeremy Stephens
Jake Ellenberger vs. Stephen Thompson
Mike Swick vs. Alex Garcia
Cody Garbrandt vs. Enrique Briones
Thomas Almeida vs. Brad Pickett