Bloodyelbow.com
Much like the recently nixed Gilbert Burns vs. Lando Vannata, the UFC’s official announcement of Jake Ellenberger vs. Bryan Barberena was evidently premature.
MMA Fighting’s Ariel Helwani confirmed on Friday that Barberena won’t be able to fight on that card due to a lingering injury, so Ellenberger will need a new opponent for June 1st.
Second time in a week a fight is announced on http://UFC.com that was discussed but not happening. Last week it was Vannata-Burns, this week it’s Ellenberger-Barbarena. The latter, like the former, was discussed/offered but never finalized. It’s not happening on 6/1.
Second time in a week a fight is announced on http://UFC.com that was discussed but not happening. Last week it was Vannata-Burns, this week it’s Ellenberger-Barbarena. The latter, like the former, was discussed/offered but never finalized. It’s not happening on 6/1.
Ellenberger is hoping to remain on the 6/1 Utica card, while Barbarena is hoping to return a little later in the year.
Barberena (13-5) hasn’t fought since losing a unanimous decision to Leon Edwards last September. His Octagon debut came in 2014, when he got a TKO finish vs. Joe Ellenberger, Jake’s twin brother. Barberena also holds notable wins over Sage Northcutt and Warlley Alves.
Ellenberger (31-13) is in desperate need of a win, as he’s just 2-7 in his last nine outings. “The Juggernaut” was once a top-10 welterweight contender, but he’s currently on a two-fight losing skid, having been stopped by Jorge Masvidal and Mike Perry. His most recent win was a TKO of Matt Brown at UFC 201, marking the first time Brown had ever been finished by strikes.
UFC Fight Night: Utica marks the promotion’s first trip to the upstate New York city. The main event is expected to be a five-round bantamweight bout between Jimmie Rivera and Marlon Moraes.
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