J. Ellenberger “signs” his UFC contract. Photo: Twitter/Reproduction
The Ultimate organization confirmed the signing of lightweight Joe Ellenberger, twin brother of the welterweight Jake ellenberger, who also announced the agreement on his profile on Twitter. At 28 years old, Joe has a record of 14 wins and just one loss and signed a four-fight deal with the biggest MMA organization on the planet. For Joe, reaching the UFC is another great achievement after an episode of overcoming in the fighter's personal life.
In 2009, when he was still undefeated in his career, Ellenberger was diagnosed with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH), a rare blood condition resulting from a defect in the red blood cell membrane. Due to the illness, at the time, doctors stated that Joe would never fight again and that he possibly had less than two or three years to live. The athlete, however, underwent a treatment called Soliris, which cost him the equivalent of US$400 (around R$944, at current prices) per year, but presented exceptional results for his health.
Although there is still no confirmed date for Joe Ellenberger's debut in Ultimate, his brother Jake said, in an interview with the “MMA Fighting” website, that the expectation is that the lightweight will have his first fight for the new organization in March or April. Hiring twin brothers is nothing new for Ultimate, which already has Rogério Minotouro e Rodrigo Minotauro in its roster of fighters. With regard to hiring family members, the event recently closed with Sergio Pettis, younger brother of the lightweight champion Anthony Pettis.
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