Whether you just have a short downtime during work, or don’t want a lengthy breakdown, these “Quick Breaks” are for you. “Quick Breaks” are short breakdowns of upcoming fights. In a summed up focus of strengths, weaknesses and variables, this will analyze what could happen in the fight, and end with this writer’s prediction.
The end of The Ultimate Fighter Live is upon us and a new finalist will emerge. The UFC will go to the Palms Casino Resort in Paradise, Nevada for the finale of Team Cruz vs. Team Faber. While Mike Chiesa and Al Iaquinta will fight for the contract, two welterweights will headline the event to determine yet another top contender. GSP is away, and Condit is the interim champion. Johny Hendricks has earned a title shot, but Jake Ellenberger and Martin Kampmann will face off to make their own statements toward a title shot.
In the blue corner you have Martin Kampmann. “The Hitman” is currently 19-5 and riding a two-fight winning streak. The past few years have been up and down for him, but after submitting Thiago Alves, he is once again on the hunt to move past more than two wins in a row—something he hasn’t done since 2008. Kampmann is a very well-rounded fighter, with great submissions and great striking. He is confident wherever the fight goes, and he will face an opponent who is ready to test his striking prowess.
In the red corner you have Jake Ellenberger. Ellenberger is 27-5 and is riding a huge six-fight winning streak. If one thing can be said for Ellenberger, it’s that he has power in his hands. His striking has led him to 17 knockout or technical knockout victories. While he hasn’t shown his ground game and won via submission since 2006, he is a talented NCAA wrestler, and has now evolved into a complete MMA fighter.
Kampmann is not afraid to get into a standing war, but he may want to take this fight to the ground. Ellenberger’s wrestling is strong and it will be hard to control him, but the submission advantage goes to Kampmann. On their feet, Ellenberger will be looking for a knockout. Kampmann has lost by knockout or technical knockout before, and we will see if Jake can put him away, or take him to a decision. Ellenberger has mostly lost decisions, but one loss came by submission.
While this fight does have a great chance of ending in submission (Kampmann) or knockout or technical knockout (Ellenberger), this is one that could also easily go to a decision, but be “fight of the night.”
Prediction: Jake Ellenberger wins via unanimous decision
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