Hoping to reap residual ratings rewards from Saturday’s big Floyd Mayweather vs. Victor Ortiz boxing pay-per-view, UFC aired a “Fight Night” special on Spike TV Saturday.
It ended with Jake Ellenberger emerging as the real deal at welterweight.
On paper, he looked to have a great shot against his opponent, top five welterweight Jake Shields. Though Shields’ experience edge, competition edge and history of wins over veterans like Dan Henderson and Robbie Lawler made him a slight favorite, it was hard to count Ellenberger out. Ellenberger entered the fight with superior striking, and thanks to his wrestling background, it was no lock Shields would be able to take him down.
The various scenarios did not even really get tested, however, as Ellenberger ended things quickly. The prospect crushed Shields with a knee before unloading with some ground-and-pound, getting a stoppage less than a minute into the fight.
What else happened on the show? Full results follow:
Justin Edwards b. Jorge Lopez via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Robert Peralta b. Mike Lullo via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
T.J. Waldburger b. Mike Stumpf via submission (triangle choke) at 3:52 of Round One
Seth Baczynski b. Clay Harvison via submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:12 of Round Two
Ken Stone b. Donny Walker via technical submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:40 of Round One
Lance Benoist b. Matt Riddle via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Evan Dunham b. Shamar Bailey via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Vagner Rocha b. Cody McKenzie via submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:49 of Round Two
Alan Belcher b. Jason MacDonald via submission (punches) at 3:48 of Round One
Erik Koch b. Jonathan Brookins via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
Court McGee b. Dongi Yang via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-28)
Jake Ellenberger b. Jake Shields via TKO (strikes) at :53 of Round One