UFC
UFC welterweight Jake Ellenberger confident in eventuality of Championship run
Dec 23, 2011 - 10:00:50 PM UFC welterweight Jake Ellenberger confident in eventuality of Championship run

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

Jake Ellenberger has had an excellent 24 months in the UFC, winning five straight fights and capping that run off with a first round knockout of former Strikeforce Champ Jake Shields. The 26-year-old Ellenberger will now begin 2012 with a major fight against Diego Sanchez in the headliner of the UFC's first event on Fuel TV.

The rising contender is eying a potential shot at the UFC Welterweight Title in 2012, most likely in an Interim capacity against the winner of UFC 143's Nick Diaz vs. Carlos Condit. Ellenberger's well-rounded game make him a difficult opponent for anyone in the 170 lb. division, but there's something else he feels sets him apart from the field.

"I've never been the best at any certain aspect of MMA," Ellenberger commented in an interview with Duane Finley at Heavy.com. "I've never been the best submission guy. I've never been the best wrestler. But my passion to compete and my heart are what set me apart from other fighters. My brother and a lot of other guys I've looked up to have shown me that hard work pays off."

That penchant for hard work has gotten him to this point, and it's that drive and heart that he feels will bring him to the top in the division. Though the potential is there for him to get his shot in 2012, Ellenberger is content to keep plugging away with the confidence that he's eventually going to get there.

"MMA is not a sport where a single attribute makes the difference," Ellenberger continued. "What has gotten me this far is the fire that burns inside of me. I have a passion to compete and I'm always going to have the heart to push further, no matter the circumstance. I'm still young in this sport. Looking down the road, I can see myself being the champion. It may not be 2012, but I've dedicated my life to becoming a world champion. I'm confident I'll accomplish it."

Penick's Analysis: Ellenberger's mindset is something I think a lot of people can identify with. Not everyone has the natural talents and gifts that some of the most elite athletes in sports possess, but that doesn't mean it's impossible to get to the top. For a fighter like Ellenberger, persistent hard work and effort can make up for any gaps in his levels in a certain discipline, and the way he's won his fights in the UFC thus far is a testament to that. He's an excellent fighter, and if he defeats Sanchez, I think it's very likely he'll be fighting the Diaz-Condit winner for the Interim title in mid-2012.