Fighter Fought For Life, Fighting Is Life - FOX 42: Omaha News, Sports and Weather; kptm.com |

Curt Casper

OMAHA (KPTM) – In 2009, Joe Ellenberger, a Millard South High School graduate, was diagnosed with a rare blood disease known as PNH (Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria). It is a potentially deadly disease.

Joe, a former Victory Light Weight Champion of Mixed Martial Arts, was told he would never be able to participate in contact sports again.

"This isn't the end, they are telling me what normal people are, I'm going to be the abnormal guy, if I'm already the one in a million why not be the one in 10 million that defeat this thing," he said.

Doctors didn't realize the heart Joe had and the amount of passion he had for fighting.

On Tuesday, Joe was preparing for his first home fight in over three years. His comeback to the MMA world had been completed.

"I think people take for granted until they get it taken away, so good perspective," he said.

Joe will be fighting in the new Ralston Arena this weekend as part of the Victory Fighting Championship. The fights will take place Saturday, December 15^th.  Doors will open at 6:00pm with the fights starting at 7:00pm.

Tickets can be purchased through the Ralston Arena or by clicking on this link alstontix.com.