Dismissing his opponent’s karate skills and promising a violent end to the rise of ‘Wonderboy’, Ellenberger started with an urgent focus as he attempted to find an opening to unleash his killer strikes. Pressuring Thompson, ‘The Juggernaut’ ate kicks for his troubles and even a counter left as he attempted to close the distance. Ellenberger’s persistence eventually found success as he dropped Thompson with a hard right just inside the second minute.
His joy would be short-lived however.
Quickly clinching and pushing the fight to the fence, Thompson quickly recovered from his opponent’s heavy hands and soon began to take control of the fight. Demonstrating his ever evolving skills, the undefeated kickboxer was able to take Ellenberger down to the canvas and control him as he continued to refocus.
Once back on the feet Ellenberger struggled to replicate his initial success, and soon paid the price for his inability to mix things up. Standing directly in front of Thompson, Ellenberger was cracked with a stinging punching combination and then dropped thanks to a stunning spinning heel kick. Somehow surviving the initial blow ‘The Juggernaut’ staggered to his feet, only to be finally finished after another devastating spinning kick.
Fast and furious, the action was stopped after just four first round minutes.
Not only did Stephen Thompson add another superb stoppage win to his growing list of Octagon performances, he also continued to show new wrinkles in his fairly young MMA game. Now an impressive 6-1 in his UFC career, Thompson looks ready to make a run for title contention. A disappointing 1-4 in his last five outings, Ellenberger’s alarming decline continues. His power remains undeniable, but the veteran once again showed too much hesitation and he paid the ultimate price for standing directly in front of such a gifted striker.
The Ultimate Fighter 21 Finale Main Card Results
Welterweight
Stephen Thompson def Jake Ellenberger via KO (spinning hook kick) in round 1
Welterweight - The Ultimate Fighter: American Top Team vs. Blackzilians final
Kamaru Usman def Hayder Hassan via submission (arm triangle choke) in round 2
Welterweight
Michael Graves def Vicente Luque via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Welterweight
Jorge Masvidal def Cezar Ferreira via KO (elbow and punches) in round 1
Women’s Strawweight
Michelle Waterson def Angela Magana via submission (rear naked choke) in round 3
Featherweight
Maximo Blanco def Mike De La Torre via TKO (punches) in round 1
What did you think of the fight and this Fight Night in general? Leave your comments and analysis below!
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