 Sakara was then expected to face Jake Rosholt at UFC Fight Night 17 but the bout was cancelled when Sakara had to pull out due to a shoulder injury.Sakara then defeated former title challenger Thales Leites via split decision at UFC 101.Sakara was scheduled to face Rousimar Palhares on December 5, 2009 at , but had to withdraw after suffering an undisclosed injury while training.