UFC on Fuel TV is set for February 15th from the Century Link Center in Omaha, Nebraska. While the card may not be stacked with some of the names that we’ve seen on bigger UFC cards, the main event has a very important matchup for the welterweight division. Upstart Jake “The Juggernaut” Ellenberger is going up against Diego “The Dream” Sanchez. With a wide open 170-pound division watching, this fight is almost meant to be the coming out show for Ellenberger, who many believe is one fight away from a title shot. But where does that leave the fighter we once knew as “the Nightmare?”
At 23-4 Sanchez has a record that he should be very proud of. The one time challenger for to the UFC lightweight title has created a resume that includes victories over such names as Clay Guida, Joe Stevenson, Paulo Thiago, Martin Kampmann, and even the new fan favorite Nick Diaz, who he defeated in 2005. Even still, his career hit a speed bump in 2009 when he was defeated in a one-sided affair by BJ Penn. Penn was able to dominate Sanchez en route to a TKO by doctor stoppage. After taking time off from the sport, Sanchez made his return to the Octagon and the welterweight division only to be defeated again by one time prospect John Hathaway at UFC 114. This wasn’t the first time he had to come back from back to back losses, but Sanchez looked to be in a much more dire situation this time around.
Since then, he’s taken the steps to right the ship by returning to Jackson’s MMA before his exciting victory over Thiago. His fight against Kampmann was also worth seeing, and he was able to edge out a controversial decision victory. As he rides a two-fight win streak heading into his fight next week, I have to wonder why so many people are talking about Ellenberger being a title contender with a victory, but are not speaking of Sanchez in the same light.
At one time, Sanchez was considered a top contender in the welterweight division. That is, until he suffered two straight losses to Josh Koscheck and Jon Fitch back in 2007. Now, with the division as open as it is, he has the potential to thrust himself right into the hunt for a potential title shot against Carlos Condit before Georges St. Pierre returns from his knee injury. Sanchez has always been a fan favorite, and is well known throughout the mixed martial arts community for his habit of screaming “Yes!” on his way to the cage, as well as his staredowns, which are more intense than many fights. And when it comes to his fighting style, we all know that we may be getting a Fight of the Year candidate anytime Sanchez steps into the Octagon.
He faces a very stout test against Ellenberger, who has become known for his effective wrestling and powerful punches. I don’t believe Sanchez is going to stand in front of “The Juggernaut” and attempt to trade punches, as that strategy has cost him in the past. Expect to see him attempt to take this fight to the ground and control through his BJJ and wrestling while looking for ground and pound opportunities. Ellenberger is a very dangerous test for any individual who wants a crack at the 170-pound strap, and the question in this fight is whether or not Sanchez will be able to stick to a sound strategy.
With a victory, Sanchez would place himself near the top of the division, arguably deserving a title shot before the year is out, but another loss may force him to rethink his return to the welterweight division.
Does "coming out show for Ellenberger" mean that you think the UFC is counting Diego out?