UFC
Jay Hieron returns to UFC, replaces Josh Koscheck against Jake Ellenberger at UFC 151
Aug 8, 2012 - 5:10:37 PM Jay Hieron returns to UFC, replaces Josh Koscheck against Jake Ellenberger at UFC 151

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

With just over three weeks until UFC 151, the UFC didn't have many options available to put in against Jake Ellenberger when Josh Koscheck pulled out on Tuesday with an injury. So they've gone outside of the organization, as MMAJunkie.com reports that they have signed Jay Hieron to take on Ellenberger at the Sept. 1 event.

Hieron, whose sole loss in his last four years of competition came by split decision against Ben Askren in a Bellator Welterweight Championship bout, hasn't fought in the UFC since 2004, though he's come close on a couple of occasions. Now, he'll return to the Octagon, and will attempt to pick up his first ever win in the UFC.

He'll do so against a fighter he's defeated before as well. Hieron defeated Ellenberger by decision in the IFL. That bout took place in 2006, and was the first loss on Ellenberger's record after beginning his career with 12 straight wins.

Penick's Analysis: That's a good fight on such short notice. For Ellenberger, it gives him a chance to avenge the first loss in his career, and for Hieron, it marks his opportunity to finally get back into the UFC. His stretches in Strikeforce and Bellator had their own share of successes and negativity, and now he'll have a chance to make his mark on the big stage. This is a big opportunity for him, and a very good replacement fight for the UFC on such short notice.