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Jake Ellenberger vs. Carlos Eduardo Rocha targeted for UFC 126 main card | MMAjunkie.com

In lieu of a planned bout with Jon Fitch, Jake Ellenberger (23-5 MMA, 2-1 UFC) instead is expected to meet welterweight prospect Carlos Eduardo Rocha (9-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) on the televised main card of UFC 126.

Sources close to the event today told MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps | MMAjunkie.com) verbal agreements are in place with contracts on the way.

UFC 126 takes place Feb. 5 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas and airs on pay-per-view.

The Super Bowl weekend show features a middleweight title bout between reigning champion Anderson Silva and challenger Vitor Belfort.

Ellenberger was expected to meet Fitch at UFC 126. However, Fitch was rebooked and now slatted to face B.J. Penn at UFC 127 following a tepid response to the intiially proposed matchup. Penn wowed UFC fans with a 21-second knockout victory over once-dominant welterweight champion Matt Hughes earlier this month at UFC 123, which set in motion the Fitch-Ellenberger cancellation.

Ellenberger in March dispatched hot prospect John Howard with a fearsome attack of ground and pound when they faced off at UFC on Versus 2. It was the Nebraskan's second consecutive octagon victory after railroading veteran Mike Pyle at UFC 109 in February.

The 25-year-old made his debut at UFC Fight Night 19 after an impressive stretch on the regional circuit and lost a razor-thin split decision to former WEC welterweight champion Carlos Condit. It's the only loss in his past seven fights.

Rocha, meanwhile, is a little more than a month removed from an impressive octagon debut in which he submitted "The Ultimate Fighter 11" runner-up Kris McCray with a kneebar at UFC 122.

The undefeated Brazilian now has eight first-round stoppage victories to his credit, seven of which come by submission.

For more on UFC 126, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of MMAjunkie.com

surprised no one posted this its been out on the web for awbile.

But it should be a good fight jake is a straight beast. but rocba was quite impressive in his debut. IDK if this deserves a main card spot even tho jake is one of my fav fighters.

but the ufc is putting some really good fights together lately.

[GL Jeff]

Im really glad Jake didnt get a fight with Fitch, he really hasnt earned it, Fitch is a top 3 WW, and jake isnt even a top 10. Besides, John Fitch vs. BJ Penn is a WAY better match-up.

On this fight though, I think Jake takes it with his strong wrestling. Hopefuly he gets a stoppage.

[IceCold48]

Originally Posted by GL Jeff

Im really glad Jake didnt get a fight with Fitch, he really hasnt earned it, Fitch is a top 3 WW, and jake isnt even a top 10. Besides, John Fitch vs. BJ Penn is a WAY better match-up.

On this fight though, I think Jake takes it with his strong wrestling. Hopefuly he gets a stoppage.

isnt rocha a bjj guy though? he almost ripped kris mccrays leg off in his last fight.

[pantomime horse]

This should be on the main card. Jake was slated to Fight the #2 welterweight in the world. Now that they've bumped him the least they can do is keep him on the main card.

[ckauffman28]

yeah could be a great show opener