(This story appeared in today’s edition of USA TODAY .) SEATTLE — Welterweight opponents Jake Ellenberger and Rory MacDonald say they’ve had fun taking jabs at each other in the weeks leading up to Saturday’s UFC on FOX 8 event. For the fans, a round of Twitter sparring, which went to the witty Ellenberger, has provided some sizzle to an otherwise bland promotional buildup. But now, as a potential title shot hangs in the balance for the winner of the co-headliner at Seattle’s KeyArena (FOX, 8 p.m. ET), the two standouts agree it’s all about business. “I’m pretty confident that this will be a No. 1 contender fight, and verbally, I’ve been told that, too,” Ellenberger (29-6 MMA, 8-2 UFC), 28, told USA TODAY Sports and MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com). “I’m not looking past this fight.” Neither is the grim-faced MacDonald (14-1 MMA, 5-1 UFC), though his path could lead to a move up to middleweight if he keeps his word not to challenge his friend and training partner, Georges St-Pierre , who’s scheduled to defend his welterweight title this fall against Johny Hendricks . Although MacDonald’s career frequently draws parallels with the champion, he shrugs off comparisons and is noncommittal about his next step.
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