Author: Shaun Al-Shatti

In the weeks leading up to their pivotal welterweight scrap, Diego Sanchez and Jake Ellenberger promised a dogfight that would rival the early candidates for ‘Fight of the Year.’ On Wednesday night, they delivered on that promise.

Sanchez and Elllenberger unleashed a wild three-round affair at the main event of UFC on FUEL, delighting the Omaha crowd with a number of furious exchanges and a late swing in momentum that almost saw “The Dream” steal the show. In the end, Ellenberger may have emerged the victor, pocketing a unanimous decision (29-28, x3) to the glee of his hometown crowd, but the result was not without its critics.

As Bruce Buffer tallied the judges’ scorecards, a flood of professional fighters took to Twitter, sounding off on everything from the lack of five rounds to cries for a draw. Surprisingly, even the usually Twitter-averse Nick Diaz let his opinion be known, and needless to say, it was everything you’d expect.

Diego Sanchez won regardless what the judges think that’s what the fight showed !

— nick diaz (@nickdiaz209) February 16, 2012

Sad night for old Jake E had this been real shit he would be dead!

— nick diaz (@nickdiaz209) February 16, 2012

Why wasn’t that 5 rds.??? When did they stop doin that

— Joseph Benavidez (@JoeJitsu) February 16, 2012

“@baggersapparel: @KSOSufcsick……. Fight…!!!!”last 2 min were rough

— Krzysztof Soszynski (@KSOSufc) February 16, 2012

I think diego and ellenburger are gonna take my fotn bonus hahaha those guys are warriors

— john albert (@UFCPrinceAlbert) February 16, 2012

DRAW !!!!!!!!!!!!!1! Sanchez vs Ellenberger #UFConFuel

— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunsonMMA) February 16, 2012

Ellenberger won rounds 1,2 . Diego was winning 10-9 landing big before he took Jakes back. He took (cont) tl.gd/fukk9m

— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunsonMMA) February 16, 2012

“@TomKongWatson: I’m confused I thought all @ufc main events were 5 round fights now?”that’s what I thought!!!

— Kyle Noke (@KyleNoke) February 16, 2012

Diego Sanchez is a whack job!!!! talented but bat s**** crazy

— Brian Rogers (@BRogthePredator) February 16, 2012

Y wasn’t this 5 rounds?

— Luke Rockhold (@rockholdMMA) February 16, 2012

Diego makes a lot of excuses but his fights always put a smile on my face! He should never b cut, I think I saw him growling at one point!

— Luke Rockhold (@rockholdMMA) February 16, 2012

Ellenberger by UD IMO

— Chris Camozzi (@ChrisCamozzi) February 16, 2012

What a scrap #UFConFUEL

— Jason High (@KCBanditMMA) February 16, 2012

3rd rnd 10-8 Sanchez, tie fight 28-28 #ryanjimmo

— Ryan Jimmo (@RyanJimmo) February 16, 2012

WWWOOOOOOWWWWW!!!!!!!Diego Sanchez got HEART!!!!

— Adam Schindler (@Schindiggity) February 16, 2012

Think the @Ufc fight should of been 5 rounds! Great main event to do so

— Jeremy Stephens (@LiLHeathenMMA) February 16, 2012

The question is do u score the last Rd10-8, if u did Sanchez escapes with a draw

— todd moore (@TMooreMMA) February 16, 2012

Great MAIN EVENT! Hats off to both Sanchez and Ellenberger..they went to war!

— Mike Massenzio (@MikeMassenzio) February 16, 2012

Diego Sanchez always great to wach

— Vitor Vianna (@VitorViannaMMA) February 16, 2012

Jake Ellenberger’s moment is so close, he can taste it.

With the title situation in flux, opportunity has never been so readily available in the UFC’s suddenly blown-open welterweight division. And the timing could not have been more intriguing. As the old guard fades into gatekeeper status, a new crop of young guns has stormed the ranks, seemingly overnight.

In truth, none personify the collision of eras quite like Ellenberger. Hungry and unheralded despite a trail of victims four opponents deep, “The Juggernaut” somehow talked his way into a squash match against Jake Shields last September. 53 seconds later, the division had seemingly been flipped on its head.

Now Ellenberger readies for pivotal tilt against Diego Sanchez at tonight’s UFC on FUEL main event. For all intensive purposes, the winner could receive the next UFC title shot, a fact that is not lost on the young fighter.

“Diego’s an extremely tough opponent, but I would like to think so,” Ellenberger admitted when asked about receiving the number-one contender tag on Monday’s edition of The MMA Hour. “(The decision is) definitely with the UFC, but I haven’t thought much past Diego. He’s a new challenge.”

Of course, a title shot is the ultimate goal, but it would be foolish to think there also aren’t ulterior motives at play. Ellenberger’s lone UFC loss came in his promotional debut, a controversial split decision against, you guessed it, Carlos Condit.

That Condit has become the interim champion just as Ellenberger perches on the doorstep of title contention is not lost on the Nebraskan.

“It’s always been in the back of my head. It really just motivates me even more,” he confessed. “Carlos has definitely earned where he’s at today. He’s definitely won fights and proved that he’s one of the best, but yeah, for me, it’s just kind of motivating. I was right there.”

Had Ellenberger emerged with the judge’s decision that night three years ago, he surely would have been fighting for a title by now. But what’s past is past, and there’s no use dwelling on lost opportunities. Besides, in the back of his mind Ellenberger always knew he would get a second chance, so what’s wrong with raising the stakes?

“I knew it was going to be a close fight and a hard fight to call, but I would have liked to rematch Carlos win or lose, regardless,” he mused. “It’s even better now he has the title, so what better chance to do it?”

But first there’s Sanchez, a veteran opponent with one title challenge already under his belt, and who could be priming for his last charge towards UFC gold.

Looking past such a dangerous foe would be imprudent, but at just 26 years old, Ellenberger believes his coming-of-age has prepared him for the task.

“He’s got a lot more to worry about than me,” Ellenberger declared. “I feel like I’ve evolved so much in the past year and a half. I’m a lot faster and a lot more skilled and I’ve fine-tuned some things. I’m ready for whatever he wants to do. He needs to worry about my offense a lot more than I need to worry about his.”

Confidence certainly drips off Ellenberger’s words, but in some strange way, they never seem overly cocky. After all, Ellenberger’s whole life has led up to this moment, so please excuse the fighter if he sounds certain of his fate.

“There’s nothing I haven’t seen that I haven’t prepared for,” Ellenberger boldly promised. “This is going be my best performance so far.

“There’s absolutely no way I’m going to leave the Octagon without my hand being raised.”

If the idea of Wednesday night mixed martial arts still seems somewhat foreign to you, don’t worry, you’re not the only one. But either way, it’s hard to complain about a lineup of free, quality fights. So while the UFC preps for tonight’s welterweight throwdown, catch up on everything else MMA has to offer with the Morning Report.

5 MUST-READ STORIES TO START YOUR DAY

UFC on FUEL TV weigh-in results. Fighters tipped the scales from Omaha, Nebraska at Tuesday’s official UFC on FUEL TV weigh-ins.

Aaron Simpson vs. Ronny Markes dissection. Dallas Winston provides the latest visual breakdown for UFC on FUEL TV’s main card.

UFC 144 broadcast will be four hours, feature seven fights. Two preliminary fights have been promoted to UFC 144’s main card, adding an extra hour to the pay-per-view broadcast.

Gary Goodridge diagnosed with early onset CTE/Pugilistic Dementia. Former Pride and K-1 standout Gary Goodridge reflected back on his career in combat sports and the extensive damage it has done to his health.

Gina Carano signs for ‘In the Blood’ starring role. Mixed martial arts has likely seen the last of former Strikeforce women’s title challenger Gina Carano.

MEDIA STEW

After some prodding, Matt Hughes admits he’d like to return to the cage for one last shot at victory.

Check out this fight video of One FC 2’s fantastic main event, Felipe Enomoto vs. Ole Laursen.

A slew of pros pick the winner of Chael Sonnen vs. Anderson Silva II.

Stefan Struve’s ability to comeback from adversity was tested early in his career against Denis Komkin.

Jon Jones blatantly disregards Bob Kelly’s frantic tapping during a segment on Opie & Anthony Radio.

In case you missed it, Tim Sylvia has been waging a public campaign to get back into the UFC, even releasing this strikingly earnest video in which the former champion implores fans to help him out.

Preaching to the choir.

Valentine’s Day can eat it.

— Tom Lawlor (@FilthyTomLawlor) February 14, 2012

Pat Barry’s Valentine’s gift? He gets to refer to Cro Cop as “Your Majesty, Lord Cro Cop” for the next two weeks.

CROATIA DAY #2 #fbtwitvid.com/W59DW

— Pat Barry (@HypeOrDie) February 14, 2012

Joe Lauzon is not impressed.

@thugjitsumaster what the hell?

— Joe Lauzon (@JoeLauzon) February 14, 2012

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012):

UFC 144: Yushin Okami (26-6) vs. Tim Boetsch (14-4), Hatsu Hioki (25-4-2) vs. Bart Palaszewski (36-14) promoted to main card.

Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey:Mike Kyle (19-8-1) vs. Gegard Mousasi (32-3-2) officially cancelled, Scott Smith (17-9) vs. Lumumba Sayers (5-2) promoted to main card.

FANPOST OF THE DAY

Today’s FPOTD belongs to MMA Mania reader unambig: 6 UFC prospects I can’t wait to see fight again.

Nobody thought much about Jimy Hettes jumping into the UFC and subbing TUF fighter Alex Cacares. Most people assumed that “Bruce Leeroy” was simply another TUF can getting his ass handed to him by a ordinary fighter. But when Hettes absolutely dominated Nam Phan like nobody has ever dominated a fighter in a three round fight before, we knew different.

…

What Hettes needs now is clearly a giant step up in competition. Like, I’m talking a quantum leap. When you’re winning fights 30-25 against an entry level UFC fighter like Nam Phan, you need a Mike Brown or a Darren Elkins. One more win over a gatekeeper like that and Hettes is looking at the top of the division.

Found something entertaining, brutal, or bizarre you’d like to see in the Morning Report? Send it to @shaunalshatti and we’ll include it in tomorrow’s post.

In 2001, a 23-year-old junior college wrestler from Memphis, Tenn. by the name of Quinton Jackson traveled overseas to serve as an easy foil for Japanese folk hero Kazushi Sakuraba. Few could have predicted the chain of events that would follow.

Six years and 17 fights later, Quinton had become “Rampage,” a Japanese folk hero in his own right, adored by a nation for his powerhouse style and violent victories over the best Pride Fighting Championships had to offer.

Now, over a decade since he first voyaged to the Land of the Rising Sun, Jackson returns with a new task in mind. Sure he would like to emerge triumphant over Ryan Bader at UFC 144’s co-main event, but next weekend is also about something larger.

Jackson hopes to reignite the once-vibrant flame of Japanese mixed martial arts that was doused by the death of Pride.

“I think if anybody has a chance, it’s the UFC,” Rampage conceded during Tuesday’s UFC 144 conference call. “The UFC is the biggest show on the planet right now. I remember back in the days when Pride was the biggest show, but the UFC has surpassed them. I think if anybody has a chance, it’s the UFC, and if I have anything to do with it, I’m going to go there and fight my heart out. Put on a big show and try to put on the most exciting fight the Japanese fans have ever seen, to maybe want them to have the UFC come back.”

That desire for excitement is the exact trait which endeared Rampage to Japanese audiences back in the old days. Between the iron chains, the howling, and ruthless performances personified by his slam of Ricardo Arona, Jackson cultivated an image by appealing to the eastern culture of showmanship.

“I was young, I didn’t care. I just wanted to fight and put on the types of fights for the crowd,” Jackson explained. “They love that type of stuff because pro wrestling is real popular there, and I kind of brought that type of factor to MMA.”

It was inevitable the legend of Rampage would sprout quickly in a land where entertainment is at a premium. In retrospect, Pride’s slew of squash matches and circus fights may not have been very sporting, but they produced an undeniable backlog of moments. And if you ask Rampage, those moments have mostly gone missing since he headed back west.

“Honestly, if I gave my thoughts on the match-making in the UFC, Joe Silva probably wouldn’t even talk to me anymore, so I’m going to keep quiet on that,” Jackson admitted, somewhat surprisingly. “Just to be honest, I think Pride had their match-makers make exciting fights.

“I don’t think people understand, in America everybody is worried about who’s going to win, and this and that. Who’s winning and who’s winning. Like, it ain’t all about that. It’s entertainment at the end of the day. The fans, they want to see entertaining fights, and fans got that. I don’t think America has that yet.”

If Jackson’s remarks sound bitter, they surely aren’t meant to be. Rather than digs at the UFC brass, his words hang in the air as wistful reminiscences of an era that exists only in memories of those that lived it.

“I really miss the fans, I’m not going to lie. I really miss fighting there,” Jackson revealed. “It’s something personal for me.

“My kids are from Japan. My kids grandparents are from there, and they never really watched me fight back in the day … My two younger kids can come and watch me fight, and the in-laws can be in the crowd and watch me fight. I’ve never had that before, so it’s just something I want to do.”

To say Jackson is looking forward to Japan more than he is to Bader may not be that bold of an assumption. But just because the usual trash-talk has subdued into a starker form of reflection, it would still be unwise to think Rampage has gone soft.

“I’ve got nothing against Ryan Bader at all,” the fighter coolly concluded. “I’m still going to try to knock his head off, but there ain’t going to be no hard feelings about it.”

Now that Cesar Gracie and Carlos Condit have said their peace, the Condit-Diaz ruckus appears to have finally hit a lull. With that said, it’s almost required I mention there are quality fights on Wednesday for the first time in a long time. Catch up on the latest from UFC on Fuel TV and the rest of the MMA world with the Morning Report.

5 MUST-READ STORIES TO START YOUR DAY

Cesar Gracie: Nick Diaz was surprised he tested positive. Gracie spoke publicly for the first time since Diaz’s failed drug test on The MMA Hour.

Carlos Condit wanted Nick Diaz rematch all along. Condit denies he only accepted a rematch with Nick Diaz after discovering Diaz’s failed drug test.

T.J. Dillashaw vs. Walel Watson dissection. Dallas Winston analyzes UFC on Fuel TV’s featured bantamweight tilt.

Mike Kyle reportedly withdraws from March 3 bout against Gegard Mousasi. For the second time in as many tries, Kyle vs. Mousasi has reportedly been cancelled.

War Machine sentencing hearing: complete transcript. Bloody Elbow has a full transcript of War Machine’s controversial hearing, including Judge Valerie Adair’s unprompted accusations of steroid abuse.

MEDIA STEW

An extended look at next weekend’s lightweight championship.

UFC on Fuel TV’s Dave Herman finishes Michal Kita in the most ridiculous way.

Joe Lauzon films the UFC Primetime crew for his first UFC 144 video blog.

Chael Sonnen predicts the winner of Diego Sanchez vs. Jake Ellenberger.

Royler Gracie and C.M. Punk break down the legendary triangle choke Royce Gracie tapped Dan Severn with at UFC 4.

Another reason to love Jared Shaw.

Dave Herman shows off his new half-hipster, half-hobo look while sharing a laugh with Stefan Struve. (via @NimaSafapour)

Marcus Aurelio sure was happy after his 25 second knockout at BFL 13. (HT: MiddleEasy)

my friend Greggie texted me this pic. me at 17, first cauliflower ear 🙂 #oldschool twitter.com/bjpenndotcom/s…

— BJ PENN (@bjpenndotcom) February 14, 2012

In case you’re wondering, he did this all day long.

Time for a healthy post-gym snack WITH MY SWORD!!!!!!!! twitter.com/amirMMA/status…

— Amir Sadollah (@amirMMA) February 14, 2012

In a zombie apocalypse, I’m sticking with Tim Kennedy.

#ThatAnnoyingFeeling When you realize that you will never be able to fix all the mistakes they make in @WalkingDead_AMC #JustGiveMeAGun

— Tim Kennedy (@TimKennedyMMA) February 13, 2012

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (Monday, Feb. 13, 2012):

– UFC on Fox 3: Alan Belcher (17-6) vs. Rousimar Palhares (14-3)

– UFC on Fuel TV 1: John Albert (7-1) vs. Ivan Menjivar (23-8) promoted to main card

– UFC on Fuel TV 3: Mike Easton (12-1) vs. Yves Jabouin (17-7)

– Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey: Mike Kyle reportedly (19-8-1) out with injury against Gegard Mousasi (32-3-2)

FANPOST OF THE DAY

Today’s FPOTD belongs to BE reader Benjamin Cole: Predicting A Collegiate Wrestler’s Development.

We’ve all heard Joe Rogan say it over and over (and over) again: Wrestling is the best base for MMA. By the sheer numbers of top level fighters that were previously top level wrestlers, this seems to be the case. As professional MMA is becoming a more attractive option for top collegiate wrestlers, I think we can see trend of how these All-Americans develop into mixed martial artists.

Generally speaking (of course, there’s always outliers), we’re seeing wrestlers go down one of two paths of development as fighters, and which path they choose can be predicted by looking at their wrestling style. Top level wrestlers, at least for the first several years into fighting, tend to develop either their striking, throwing powerful punches that knockout their foe, or their jiu jitsu, using their already strong takedowns to submit opponents. “Duh,” you might be thinking. Of course fighters develop striking or jiu jitsu. The key is, though, that I think whichever path the wrestler chooses depends on their wrestling style. The best way to explain my point is with real examples. A few videos after the jump…

Found something entertaining, brutal, or bizarre you’d like to see in the Morning Report? Send it to @shaunalshatti and we’ll include it in tomorrow’s post.

Hopefully you were productive during the UFC’s mini-sabbatical, because there won’t be another one like it for awhile. But just because the Octagon was packed away, it doesn’t mean the rest of the MMA world hit cruise control. From regional fight results to potential trouble booking Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen II in a Brazilian soccer stadium, catch up on this weekend’s news with the Morning Report.

5 MUST-READ STORIES TO START YOUR DAY

One Fighting Championship 2 results. Felipe Enomoto submitted Ole Laursen and Rolles Gracie made short work of Bob Sapp at One FC’s sophomore showing.

Xtreme Fighting Championships 16 results. Former WEC champ Jamie Varner inched closer to a UFC contract by smashing Drew Fickett in 41 seconds on Friday night.

UFC’s hopes for stadium show in Sao Paulo appear to be fading. A Brazilian non-profit organization, Viva Pacaembu, has successfully campaigned against the UFC hosting Silva vs. Sonnen II in Sao Paulo’s Pacaembu Stadium.

Keith Kizer details what’s next for Nick Diaz. Kizer fielded questions about Diaz’s failed UFC 143 drug test and impending suspension over the weekend.

Georges St. Pierre: MMA needs someone like Nick Diaz. As always, GSP sounded off as the voice of reason on Diaz’s potential retirement.

MEDIA STEW

UFC veterans Jamie Varner and Drew Fickett face off in the main event of XFC 16.

Georges St. Pierre anxiously tries to score Carlos Condit vs. Nick Diaz cageside at UFC 143.

Your obligatory video of Anderson Silva dancing to James Brown. (HT: Bloody Elbow)

Wednesday’s co-headliner Stefan Struve slaps a triangle on Chase Gormley for the UFC’s “Submission of the Week.”

Stephen Thompson + Chuck Norris’ World Combat League + Referee Cecil Peoples = Pure Video Goodness.

Photographer Dolly Clew captured this ridiculous shot of Kyle Watson’s blood getting knocked right out of his face during the main event of CWFC Fight Night 3. (via @CageWarriors)

Well played, Mr. Kennedy.

One of my dogs is named after the god of war, and the other is named after a Beatles song.

— Tim Kennedy (@TimKennedyMMA) February 10, 2012

Hard to forget that girl.

@OksanaGrishina Arf arf! Nice meeting you and your friend. A girl in a puppy suit is the last thing I thought I’d run into at the gym.

— Josh Barnett (@JoshLBarnett) February 12, 2012

Sounds like a pretty classy Saturday night.

hey @arielhelwani, i just depantsed @jaime_kennedy at the playboy party. sometimes I’m a bit more than awesome. suck it @bigsexymccorkle

— Matt Mitrione (@mattmitrione) February 12, 2012

Too soon?

Whitney Houston visited me in my sleep last night to tell me my tweet was funny. Take that Internet.

— Jason Mayhem Miller (@mayhemmiller) February 12, 2012

Somebody needs to make this happen.

“@asumoff: @ttags12 @azst8er @kingsbu could Whitney be a potential walk out song?” Hell yes Whitney will be my next walk out.

— Kyle Kingsbury (@Kingsbu) February 12, 2012

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced over the weekend (Friday, Feb. 10, 2012 – Sunday, Fed. 12, 2012):

– UFC on Fox 3: Josh Koscheck (17-5) vs. Johny Hendricks (12-1)

– UFC 144: Issei Tamura (6-2) in against Zhang Tiequan (15-2)

– UFC 145: Matt Brown (13-11) vs. Stephen Thompson (6-0)

– UFC on Fuel TV 3: Dustin Poirier (12-1) vs. Chan Sung Jung (12-3) announced as main event

– UFC on Fuel TV 3: Jorge Lopez (11-2) vs. Amir Sadollah (5-3)

– UFC on Fuel TV 3: Cody McKenzie (12-2) vs. Aaron Riley (30-13-1)

– UFC on Fuel TV 3: Brad Tavares (7-1) vs. Dongi Yang (10-2)

– Frank Mir (16-5) vs. Cain Velasquez (9-1); Forrest Griffin (18-7) vs. Tito Ortiz (16-10-1) announced by Lorenzo Fertitta

– Junior dos Santos (14-1) vs. Alistair Overeem (36-11, 1 NC) confirmed for May 26th

– Bellator 65: Zach Makovsky (14-2) vs. Eduardo Dantas (13-2) announced as main event

– Bellator 65: Lyman Good (11-2) vs. LeVon Maynard (12-8)

– Bellator 65: Duane Bastress (4-1) vs. Plinio Cruz (5-4)

– Bellator 65: Tim Carpenter (8-1) vs. Ricardo Romero (11-3)

FANPOST OF THE DAY

Today’s FPOTD belongs to BE reader fightinghistorian: The time is right for a superfight, and it doesn’t involve Anderson.

Although calls for a superfight between GSP and Anderson or Jon Jones and Anderson have petered out recently, due to GSP’s knee injury and the attendant opening of the welterweight division on the one hand and the reemergence of Chael Sonnen as a title challenger on the other, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t a viable superfight out there. Ladies and gentlemen, I present you with Frankie Edgar vs. Jose Aldo.

Found something entertaining, brutal, or bizarre you’d like to see in the Morning Report? Send it to @shaunalshatti and we’ll include it in tomorrow’s post.