Remember a while back, Bloody Elbow said this:
Jake Shields vs Jake Ellenberger at Ultimate Fight Night 25 on September 17th: Under normal circumstances this really isn't a fight of much interest. Neither fighter is particularly exciting nor are they big time draws. However, with the recent death of Jake Shields' father, this fight has significance if only to see how he'll perform after the loss of his dad. EDIT: This match becomes one of interest because Jack Shields was Jake's father, mentor, and manager. The match up doesn't matter as much as the story revolving around it. Can Jake Shields remain clear headed with the loss of his father?
Well here's the answer to your question:
Although he said going forward with the bout was an easy decision, Shields came into the fight not looking as powerful as usual. On paper, the fight looked to come down to Ellenberger’s takedown defense, because he had the stronger striking game, while Shields had noted before the fight he had found holes in Ellenberger’s jiu-jitsu game. Ellenberger had been training with former NCAA champion Mark Munoz on the wrestling end, to keep the fight standing.
Ellenberger was the thicker and more muscular of the two fighters. He overpowered and threw Shields down almost immediately after the first lockup, but Shields was right back up. Shields then moved in for a takedown while Ellenberger powered away. But Ellenberger tied Shields up and landed a hard left knee to the body, followed by a devastating right knee to the chin that put Shields down hard. Ellenberger unloaded with about seven rapid punches on the ground before Mulhall jumped in.
Shields continued to battle for a takedown, but did so on Mulhall, who he instinctively thought was Ellenberger, after Ellenberger had already started celebrating.
A big knee to the jaw was the turning point in Jake Ellenberger's win over Jake Shields. (Getty Images) |
Still, Bloody Elbow wants to remind you:
Jake Shields is a very talented fighter.
Let's get that out of the way right at the start. Because in the wake of his upset first round stoppage loss at the hands of Jake Ellenberger at UFC Fight Night 25 last night, it's a statement that needs repeating.
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