Joe Ellenberger Signs Four-Fight Deal, Joins Brother Jake as Latest UFC Brother Tandem

Joe Ellenberger recently signed a four-fight deal with the Ultimate Fighting Championship, making him and twin brother Jake the latest brother tandem to ink deals with the promotion. The most recent sibling signing in the Octagon prior to the Ellenbergers was Anthony and Sergio Pettis.

Ellenberger tweeted the announcement of his signing on Monday, including a picture of him using a huge pencil to sign the deal.

Signed 4 fight deal. Can’t wait to show the world! Thanks @ufc I won’t let you down @EllenbergerMMA @AdamEllenberger pic.twitter.com/nuoj8jFoBm

— Joe Ellenberger (@JoeEllenberger) January 6, 2014

Ellenberger (14-1) was originally asked to fight Mark Bocek at The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale, but had to decline due to dealing with what would eventually be diagnosed as a rare bone marrow disease called PNH (Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria).

After being told he would never be able to participate in contact sports ever again, Ellenberger continued seeking treatment. He eventually was helped by a bone marrow specialist in St. Louis, Dr. Monica Bessler, who prescribed a “miracle drug” named Soliris that helped Ellenberger make a miraculous recovery from PNH.

Following a two-year hiatus, Ellenberger returned to fighting in Spring of 2011, and has since gone 4-1, losing only to UFC veteran Justin Salas. Having defeated Joe Wilk in December, Ellenberger finally got the return call from the UFC, and signed the four-fight contract.

The UFC has yet to announce an opponent or event for Ellenberger’s promotional debut.

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