Vagner Rocha likely returning to the UFC to face Joe Ellenberger at UFC 172

It looks like the lightweight domino effect that Bobby Green set off by withdrawing from UFC 172 has been all figured out. Green's removal…

By: Tim Burke | 9 years ago
Vagner Rocha likely returning to the UFC to face Joe Ellenberger at UFC 172
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It looks like the lightweight domino effect that Bobby Green set off by withdrawing from UFC 172 has been all figured out. Green’s removal led to Yancy Medeiros being bumped up to a fight with Jim Miller, and this left Joe Ellenberger without an opponent. He apparently has one now though – Vagner Rocha. The news was reported by MMA Fighting.

Rocha (11-3) went 1-2 in a prior UFC run in 2011-12. His lone win over Cody McKenzie was sandwiched between losses to Donald Cerrone and Jonathan Brookins, the latter of which came at featherweight. Rocha rebounded from that back at 155 pounds though and has won four bouts in a row outside the promotion.

Ellenberger (14-1) is making his UFC debut. He is the twin brother of welterweight veteran Jake Ellenberger.

The bout between the two men will take place on the preliminary card. The main event of UFC 172 sees Jon Jones defending his UFC light heavyweight title against Glover Teixeira.

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