A bout that was sure to be filled with fireworks is no more, as Josh Koscheck has been forced out of a scheduled scrap with Jake Ellenberger. The match-up was expected to serve as the co-main event for UFC 151 on September 1 in Las Vegas.

UFC Tonight first reported the news of Koscheck suffering from a bulging disc preventing him from competing in the cage. A time frame for his return is unknown.

Both fighters were in need of a victory in the always-stacked welterweight division. In his last outing Koscheck was defeated by Johny Hendricks while Ellenberger lost to Martin Kampmann.

With just a few short weeks remaining before fight night, it remains to be seen if the UFC can fill the void created by Koscheck for Ellenberger.

PHOTO CREDIT – UFC