Joe Ellenberger signs for the UFC

Ellenberger signs four fight deal to fight for the UFC

by Ben Heather @benheather

Joe Ellenberger, the twin brother of longtime UFC welterweight contender Jake Ellenberger has signed for the UFC.

The part that makes Ellenberger (14-1) joining his brother as part of the UFC roster is the fact he was told back in 2009 that his fighting career would have to end. At the time his record was 10-0 and he was diagnosed with Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, a disease that attacks and destroys the red blood cells. Not only was he told he would not fight again, he was told the chances are he would not be alive to celebrate his 30th birthday.

Thankfully for everyone that is not the case and with the help of Soliris, a drug which is used to prevent the breakdown of red blood cells in people with Ellenberger's condition he has been able to focus back on his career. Ellenberger returned to fighting in 2011 after a 22 month lay off and won back to back fights before losing for the first time in his career in October 2011 against Justin Salas, who signed for the UFC after the win.

After that loss he has got back to winning ways with two wins in 2012 but has not fought since then so him signing for the UFC now came as a bit of a surprise. As yet there is no date set for him to make for debut in the UFC but I for one will be looking forward to seeing him make it on the big show and complete his dream.