Jake Ellenberger returns, fights Bryan Barberena at UFC Utica

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) recently added the welterweight pairing of Jake Ellenberger vs. Bryan Barberena to its upcoming UFC Fight Night 131 mixed martial arts (MMA) event on Fri., June 1, 2018 inside Adirondack Bank Center in Utica, New York.

Probably because “The Juggernaut” is too cerebral to retire.

Ellenberger (31-13) — once ranked in the top five at 170 pounds — has amassed one of the worst UFC records in recent years, going just 2-7 and getting finished five times. That was enough to get him booted from the top 15 where he remains unranked.

Barberena (13-5) rose to prominence by derailing the hype train that delivered us Sage Northcutt way back at UFC on FOX 18. Since that high-profile victory, “Bam Bam” is just 2-2 and coming off a decision loss to Leon Edwards.

UFC Utica is expected to be headlined by the bantamweight showdown between Jimmie Rivera and Marlon Moraes. Elsewhere on the card, Gian Villante and Sam Avery collide in light heavyweight action.

Stay tuned for more UFC Utica fight card announcements in the coming weeks.