We’ve been a bit spoiled by the UFC with the last stretch of free fights. This summer, the TV fight cards full of title ramifications, guaranteed slugfests or big name draws. The only big name that went into the Battle of the Bayou was Jake Shields. Of the eight main card fighters he was the only one to headline a paper-view or hold a major league title. By the end of the night however, a new name was solidified as a bona fide contender to a UFC title. His name is Jake Ellenberger.
When the match was made, not even Shields knew who the Nebraska native was. It didn’t even seem like there was a whole lot of pre fight lead up to develop Ellenberger’s notoriety, but with a 0:53 second TKO of former champion who has only been stopped once early in his career, you are forced to take notice.
(NERD WARNING: next paragraph contains reference to an early 90’s sci-fi franchise…)
It’s almost like they are immortals from the Highlander series. Once you take off your opponents head you steal their power, and that’s what Ellenberger did! He ripped off Shields’ head with a vicious knee and instantly gains a name for himself and also title contention. Ellenberger did what not even GSP could do. He stopped Jake Shields.
Up next for Ellenberger, I hope to see him fight another contender like John Fitch, or the winner of BJ Penn – Nick Diaz. For Shields, I hope he takes some time off to be with his family especially after losing his father so close to this last fight. Even though this make Shields 1 loss closer to the magic three in a row then your cut, he should be given a pass as he didn’t need to fight this fight. He’s already proven himself as a true warrior, and he deserves to be kept on by the UFC for at least another two fights.
The card also featured two of the Ultimate Fighter TV show winners. Season 11 winner Court McGee defeated Dongi Yang and Season 10 winner Jonathan Brookins was defeated by Rufus Sport standout, Erik Koch. Both fights drew some close parallels. Both TUF winners were coming off of injuries and had not fought since last year. Both fights were very close leading going into the third round as each fight was closely matched. Both fights were won by decision.
Next up for McGee, I hope to see him fight a notable veteran to give him a chance to gain recognition beyond an Ultimate Fighter winner, like a Tim Credeur or Tom Lawlor. For Brookins, He will need to find his way back to winning. I would like to see Brookins fight another TUF alumni Manny Gamburyan as both of them are coming off losses.
As for Erik Koch, the sky’s the limit. He looks to be one or two fights away from facing featherweight kingpin Jose Aldo. A fight against another top contender like Mark Hominick would be amazing!
Also on the card was the return of Alan Belcher defeating Jason MacDonald. Belcher did not miss a beat even after being out of competition for more than a year and a half with a career threatening detached retina. Belcher defeated J-Mac within the most dangerous part of his game, his guard. Without hesitation Belcher threw his ground and pound with bad intentions to earn his first round TKO win.
After this win, Belcher gets his spot back in line for the middleweight title. Look for him to be matched up with the loser of Stann Vs Sonnen, or maybe a rematch against Okami.
As for MacDonald, he has now been on the doorstep of breaking into the top 10 several times now, but has not been able to defeat a UFC big name. I can see the UFC attempt to use J-Mac as a testing ground for a top prospect like Mike Massenzio. If history repeats itself, especially looking at J-Mac’s record, he always comes back strong after loosing to a top contender.
