Jake Ellenberger was lined up for a UFC 151 showdown with welterweight mainstay Josh Koscheck. However, according to mmajunkie.com, he will instead meet Jay Hieron, an opponent who last fought in the UFC nearly seven years back. Koscheck has reportedly withdrawn from the bout because of a bulging disk in his back, and Hieron has agreed to step up and take the fight on short notice.
Hieron’s lengthy absence from the world’s top promotion does not even hint at the slightest measure of inadequacy. The 36-year-old veteran has amassed an impressive resume outside of the UFC, most recently winning 11 of 12 contests. The sole loss on Hieron’s record since July 2007 was a split decision loss to Bellator welterweight champion Ben Askren.
Hieron will provide Ellenberger with a new opponent on September 1, and because of his extensive experience and considerable skill, should give the Juggernaut all he can handle.
Ellenberger is just one fight removed from a title eliminator, which he dropped to Martin Kampman. Since that contest, Kampmann has been tapped to take on Johny Hendricks to determine the division’s next number one contender, while Ellenberger is poised to begin another ascent up the welterweight ladder.
Ellenberger’s loss to Kampmann was just his first in seven fights, and the 27-year-old will be looking to regain some of the momentum he had heading into his last fight.
The contest will be a part of the main card at UFC 151 on September 1, 2012.
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