With a superbly executed north-south choke over the now-Bellator bound Koscheck, Ellenberger halted a concerning 3-fight losing skid, a run consisting of a disappointing performance against the now-welterweight title contender Rory MacDonald, and two eye-opening stoppage defeats to Robbie Lawler and Kelvin Gastelum. While the quality of his opponents have been considerable, Ellenberger, a former title prospect himself, has looked a shadow of the man who compiled a respectable 8-2 record before his loss to MacDonald just two years ago.
A two-time Division II All-American wrestler who favours throwing his dynamite-laden fists, Ellenberger still has the potential to provide a considerable challenge to up-and-coming prospects at 170-pounds. However with this, his 40th professional fight, ‘The Juggernaut’ has clocked some serious mileage over the course of his career, and the mental and physical damage accrued along the way is starting to become more and more apparent.
Considered by a number of high-profile MMA personalities including Georges St-Pierre and Chris Weidman as one of the best kickboxers currently competing inside the Octagon, Stephen Thompson’s resume in the striking sport is frightening. Owning unblemished amatuer and professional records with an astonishing total of 57 victories without defeat and a heap of accolades since 1999, Thompson has bought his special brand of violence to MMA, and is thriving in the sport’s premier organisation with a record of 5-1 (10-1 overall).
A two-time Division II All-American wrestler who favours throwing his dynamite-laden fists, Ellenberger still has the potential to provide a considerable challenge to up-and-coming prospects at 170-pounds. However with this, his 40th professional fight, ‘The Juggernaut’ has clocked some serious mileage over the course of his career, and the mental and physical damage accrued along the way is starting to become more and more apparent.
Considered by a number of high-profile MMA personalities including Georges St-Pierre and Chris Weidman as one of the best kickboxers currently competing inside the Octagon, Stephen Thompson’s resume in the striking sport is frightening. Owning unblemished amatuer and professional records with an astonishing total of 57 victories without defeat and a heap of accolades since 1999, Thompson has bought his special brand of violence to MMA, and is thriving in the sport’s premier organisation with a record of 5-1 (10-1 overall).
Almost exclusively fighting from the southpaw stance, Thompson’s kick-heavy, side stance style is extremely hard to prepare for. Possessing speed and incredible leg dexterity, ‘Wonderboy’ has the ability to quickly close the distance and whip devastating kicks from a multitude of angles. Thompson has so far remained largely untested on the ground against a strong wrestler, but his purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu should come in handy should he be forced to the mat.
Prediction: While Ellenberger undoubtedly represents Thompson’s biggest test to date, serious question marks loom over ‘The Juggernaut’. Does he still have the potential to return to the form that saw him destroy the likes of Jake Shields and Nate Marquardt only a couple of years ago? If he does, he has the potential to end the fight in a heartbeat with a trademark haymaker. If not, it’s highly unlikely that this battle-worn veteran will be able to cope with Thompson’s unique striking offense. I predict the latter. ‘Wonderboy’ should be able to keep Ellenberger at bay with his leg kicks before swarming with striking combinations. Expect Thompson to move closer to the division’s elite with a knockout inside of two rounds.
The Ultimate Fighter 21 Finale Main Card Predictions - Picks in bold:
Featherweight - Maximo Blanco vs. Mike De La Torre
Women’s Strawweight - Michelle Waterson vs. Angela Magana
Welterweight - Jorge Masvidal vs. Cezar Ferreira
Welterweight - Michael Graves vs. Vicente Luque
Welterweight - Hayder Hassan vs. Kamaru Usman
Welterweight - Jake Ellenberger vs. Stephen Thompson
UFC Fight Picks 2015 Record: 45-26
What do you think will happen at The Ultimate Fighter 21 Finale? Leave your predictions below!
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