Johny Hendricks vs. Jake Ellenberger features two skilled wrestlers with heavy hands facing off in hopes of a meeting with divisional champion Georges St-Pierre.
Speaking to Sherdog Radio’s Beatdown show, “Bigg Rigg” explained why he believes Ellenberger is a more dangerous opponent than GSP (transcription via MMA Mania).
It’s not that it’s more difficult (fight) but, it’s a little bit more dangerous, you know what I’m saying? Like I said, you don’t know which punch will be the last. With GSP, you know where he’s going to want to take it, you know he’s not going to want to stand with you. He’s going to want to go in there set up his jab, throw a few leg kicks, or he’s going to get you to the perimeter, to that black line, and you know a double leg is coming. Ellenberger, he is going to try to knock you out before he takes you down.
The numbers seem to back up Hendricks’ argument. In 28 career wins, Ellenberger has scored 17 victories via knockout, while St-Pierre has just eight knockouts in 23 professional wins.
By the same token, there is no question of St-Pierre’s dominance at welterweight. He is riding a 10-fight win streak that includes seven successful title defenses.
Even though Hendricks has won five in a row, boasting knockouts over Jon Fitch and Martin Kampmann during that span, Nick Diaz will be the one challenging GSP for the title at UFC 158 in March.
Hendricks and Ellenberger will battle on the same card, which also features another high-profile welterweight clash between Rory MacDonald and Carlos Condit.
Will Hendricks defeat Ellenberger and finally get his shot at St-Pierre or will Ellenberger or Diaz spoil the party?
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