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Jake Ellenberger was penciled-in to face Jon Fitch at UFC 127. Unfortunately for the Nebraskan, BJ Penn quickly stole his spot by putting Matt Hughes to sleep at UFC 123.

Octagon president Dana White made the announcement to a hoard of reporters following Saturday’s post-fight press conference.

Although their trilogy received a lukewarm reception, the welterweights – or at least Penn – provided the night’s most thrilling action.

It took the former lightweight and 170-pound champion all of 21 seconds to dispose of the 37-year-old Hall of Famer. It was a much needed victory for Penn, as he was previously trounced by reigning 155-pound king Frankie Edgar in his last two outings.

Although Fitch owns an imposing 23-3 resume, 13 of his wins have come via decision. The grappler’s last eight contests have all gone to the judges’ scorecards. He’s won all of them except a lopsided defeat to Georges St-Pierre at UFC 87.

White did not mention what they had in store for Ellenberger, who apparently got demoted from a potential top contender bout despite not competing on Saturday.

UFC 127 is expected to take place inside the Acer Arena in Sydney, Australia on February 26, 20111.

Here are the contestants rumored for the Octagon’s return down under:

George Sotiropoulos vs. Dennis Siver

Jorge Rivera vs. Michael Bisping

Carlos Condit vs. Chris Lytle

BJ Penn vs. Jon Fitch