Josh Koscheck injured, Jay Hieron will face Jake Ellenberger at UFC 151 (updated)

The injury bug has bit UFC 151 and in a big way. Josh Koscheck (17-6) has been forced to withdraw from his co-main event fight with Jake Ellenberger (26-7) due to a bulging disc in his back. The news was announced on the “UFC Tonight” show that airs on FUEL TV.

UFC 151 is set to take place on September 1st in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the Mandalay Bay Events Center. The event will be headlined by the UFC light heavyweight title fight between the champion Jon Jones as he’s set to take on former Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Dan Henderson.

Both fighters are coming off losses in their respective careers. Koscheck lost a split decision against Johny Hendricks at the UFC on FOX 3 event in May with Ellenberger suffering a TKO loss against Martin Kampmann at the TUF 15 finale. Ellenberger had rattled off six straight wins prior to the loss and was eyeing a potential title shot had he been able to get past Kampmann.

There is no timetable for his return and no opponent has been named as a replacment to face Ellenberger.

UPDATE:

According to MMAJunkie MMA veteran Jay Hieron (23-5) will now face Jake Ellenberger at UFC 151. Hieron has fought in the UFC twice before, losing to Georges St. Pierre in his debut at UFC 48 and losing to Jonathan Goulet at the UFC Ultimate Fight Night 2 event in 2005. Hieron is also a veteran of the now defunct IFL, Strikeforce, and Bellator promotions. Hieron defeated Ellenberger in an IFL event in 2006 which was Ellenberger’s first professional loss.

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