UFC On Fuel Diego Sanchez vs Jake Ellenberger
Welterweight bout: Diego Sanchez vs Jake Ellenberger
Diego Sanchez is coming off two straight wins against Martin Kampmann (razor thin), and Paulo Thiago. Strength’s for Diego are his punching speed, cardio, and overall fight game.
Ellenberger has only lost to Carlos Condit in his last 6 fights. I don’t know what Sanchez can do that Ellenberger hasn’t faced already. The wrestling advantage goes to Ellenberger. His wrestling style is actually quite good for MMA and its been demonstrated in every fight. His ability to escape is pretty damn amazing and Ellenberger’s top control is also good. Ellenberger’s cardio is always top notch. I’ve been following Ellenberger’s career since he lost to Jay Heiron in 2006. His skillset has improved tremendously.
If it sounds like I’m a fan, I am. I know MMA talent when I see it and this guy is going to be contending for the title within his next 2 fights.
I have Ellenberger winning this.
Heavyweight bout: Stefan Struve vs Dave Herman
Struve: Pretty good chin, great jiu jitsu on the ground. Struve has improved everywhere.
Herman: Really good chin, power, has an unorthodox weirdness that allows himself to get out of situations. Very similar to Brian Ebersole.
Herman’s weaknesses has been his conditioning. However, his conditioning hasn’t cost him any victories. Herman is an up and comer in the UFC (they are starting him out slowly), however, Herman has a lot of experience fighting in other organizations like Sengoku.
Herman has a lot of potential. I think Herman is going to win and he’s going to make it look like he doesn’t care that he won either.
Middleweight bout: Aaron Simpson vs Ronny Markes
I’m not familiar with Markes so this is a pass.
Heavyweight bout: Stipe Miocic vs Philip De Fries
I don’t know either of these two guys.
Preliminary Card
Bantamweight bout: T.J. Dillashaw vs Walel Watson
Bantamweight bout: Ivan Menjivar vs John Albert
Featherweight bout: Jonathan Brookins vs Vagner Rocha
I don’t think there is much Rocha brings here to stop Brookins. Brookins is pretty good at avoiding the submission. This fight is going to the judges, and I see Rocha mostly fighting off his back due to Brookins’ wrestling. Brookins via decision.
Middleweight bout: Buddy Roberts vs Sean Loeffler
Pass
Lightweight bout: Anton Kuivanen vs Justin Salas
Pass
Lightweight bout: Tim Means vs Bernardo Magalhaes
Pass