“Do you wanna be a f****** fighter?” The unforgettable question UFC president Dana White raised to the contestants on “The Ultimate Fighter 1” that Vagner Ceara Rocha clearly took to heart.
With only five days remaining until the curtain is drawn on UFC 172, the lightweight has signed on to make his return to the big leagues Saturday against octagon rookie Joe Ellenberger.
Ellenberger’s previous opponent agreed to meet Jim Miller (pictured) on the main card after Miller original foe, Bobby Green, was forced to bow out due to a last-minute injury.
The UFC confirmed the switcheroo Monday.
It is believed the new matchups will not force a change in the card’s bout order.
Baltimore Arena in Baltimore, Maryland serves as host. Light heavyweight king Jon Jones defends his throne against Glover Teixeira in the pay-per-view’s featured contest.
Here is the show’s revised agenda:
Preliminary Card:
(UFC Fight Pass 7PM ET/4PM PT)
Chris Beal vs. Patrick Willians
Danny Castillo vs. Charlie Brenneman
(Fox Sports 1 8PM ET/5PM PT)
Joe Ellenberger vs. Vagner Ceara Rocha
Jessamyn Duke vs. Bethe Correia
Isaac Vallie-Flagg vs. Takanori Gomi
Joseph Benavidez vs. Tim Elliott
Main Card:
(Pay-Per-View 10PM ET/7PM PT)
Max Holloway vs. Andre Fili
Jim Miller vs. Yancy Medeiros
Luke Rockhold vs. Tim Boetsch
Anthony Johnson vs. Phil Davis
Glover Teixeira vs. Jon Jones (UFC light heavyweight champion)