Brian Ebersole has the opportunity to accomplish a rare feat in today’s UFC landscape—with a win over James Head at UFC 149, Ebersole would have two wins within the span of 30 days.
Ebersole was victorious in a UFC on FX: Maynard vs. Guida bout with TJ Waldburger by unanimous decision on June 22, and felt good enough to step in for the July 21 UFC 149 card for an injured Claude Patrick to take on Head.
While many fighters would shirk the idea of such a quick turnaround, Ebersole is the kind of fighter that embraces the short layoff and will use the opportunity to gain even more momentum. Despite the shortened preparation period, Ebersole is heavily favored to come out on top.
How do we know that Ebersole can win two fights within a month’s time?
He’s been there before.
In 2011, Ebersole won a fight against Hamish Robertson on January 29 outside of the UFC before turning around less than 30 days later to pick up a UFC victory over highly respected Chris Lytle on February 27. While Ebersole’s competition may be a bit stiffer with back-to-back UFC fights, Ebersole should be up to the challenge.
Ebersole may be the most underrated fighter in the UFC. With a record of 50-14, it’s easy to look at Ebersole as a journeyman who doesn’t pose a serious threat.
However, Ebersole’s stock has never been higher in his career.
He finds himself in the midst of a four-fight win streak in the UFC and an 11-fight win streak since his last loss in 2008. His last loss? A submission loss to Hector Lombard—a fighter many expect to be the next challenger to Anderson Silva‘s title.
Ebersole has been playing the role of gatekeeper effectively since coming to the UFC in 2011, and Head should join the list of opponents that Ebersole has bested. With 14 wins by knockout and 20 wins by submission, Ebersole can finish the fight anywhere and has much more experience than Head, who is entering his third UFC fight with an 8-2 record.
With recent wins over TJ Waldburger, Claude Patrick, Dennis Hallman and Chris Lytle, Ebersole is more than deserving of a marquee matchup with a big-name opponent in the welterweight division.
Perhaps taking out two talented welterweight prospects within 30 days of each other will be enough to launch Ebersole into the top-ten welterweight discussion.
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