Inside Fights Staff give their thoughts and predictions on Jake Shields vs. Jake Ellenberger.
Luke Cho Yee: The similarity between these two doesn’t end with their first names. Both are vastly experienced, come from wrestling backgrounds, and have been focusing heavily of late on improving their striking. I expect a fair portion of this tussle to play out on the feet, where Ellenberger will be confident of producing the finish. The question is can he keep the fight upright long enough to stand any chance of doing so? A victory over a name like Shields would be huge for his career, and the former Strikeforce champ should not underestimate a very hungry and aggressive Ellenberger, but I believe the “scrap pack” ace has plenty motivation of his own, particularly with the sad and recent loss of his Father. I expect shields to eventually get it to the ground, and once he has done so, overwhelm Ellenberger with his superior grappling. Shields by submission, late in round 2.
Scott Sawitz: Shields is fighting with a heavy heart. Ellenberger is fighting for respect amongst the elite of the division. I like Ellenberger but he hasn’t shown that he can beat the top guys. Shields isn’t Mike Pyle or John Howard. I think Shields will take him down and make him tap sometime in the middle of the third after grinding out the first two rounds.
Skully Williams: Some have to wonder if Jake Shields is truly ready to do battle with Jake Ellenberger this Saturday night at UFC Fight Night 25. Despite the recent loss of his father, Shields is pressing forward with his plans to take out Ellenberger. Although Shields wants and needs a decisive win, he may have to much mental baggage at this moment in time to be effective against a very motivated Jake Ellenbeger. High emotions mixed with the wrong amount of aggression may cloud Shields judgement and leave the door open for Ellenberger to deliver the KO power that he is known for. My prediction is that Jake Ellenberger will add another TKO victory to his resume late in round number two at tonight’s Battle on the Bayou.
Matthew Schuerman: Interesting fight. The takedowns and wrestling of Jake Shields against the power and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu of Jake Ellenberger. I would be of the opinion that Shields should dominate the yet tested Ellenberger (not counting Carlos Condit), but Shields has shown a propensity to be dominated in the striking game. Even against Dan Henderson, he was out struck. And against George St. Pierre, he was humiliated by his lack of standup. I see a clear advantage to Ellenberger here, and predict a TKO in the second round for him.
Jon Kirschner: In one corner, you have Jake Shields who is a takedown ace with a masterful top-game of jiu-jitsu. In the other, Ellenberger can knock you out in the matter of minutes and out-wrestle you until the final bell sounds. Their styles will clash tonight and it’ll end up being a one-side affair. Ellenberger can out-strike Shields any day, but if Shields can get Ellenberger on his back the fight could be his. Jake Shields has a powerful inspiration behind him tonight, as his father unfortunately passed away while he was training for the bout. I think Shields will put on his most dominating UFC performance to date and grind out a brutal decision victory.
Chris Roberts: As down as people may be on this card for its lack of relevance I think the fact that many of these fights are ultra competitive has been overlooked. The main event, for instance, is a cookie that could crumble a million different ways. I’ll play it safe and stay in the Shields camp though I definitely recognize the size and striking advantage Ellenberger has over him. But since Shields lucked out and only has to go 3 rounds this time out his sometimes questionable gas tank won’t play a role and I see a condensed version of the Henderson fight playing out here. Ellenberger knows that his best shot is a first round KO and once Shields weathers that storm he’ll then move into his game where he will out grapple and out jiu jitsu him for the last two rounds. If you need to take somebody take Shields via decision.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Court McGee vs. Dongi Yang: McGee is a good story but he’s pulled off dramatic comeback victories in fights he was losing. Yang will stop him early in the first. – Scott Sawitz
Jonathan Brookins vs. Erik Koch: I previewed this fight but it’s going to end up one of two ways. Either Brookins is going to take Koch down and grind out a decision victory or Koch is going to make Brookins pay and knock him out spectacularly. Roufusport guys seem to get taken down a lot, lately, so I’ll put my money on Brookins by UD. – Scott Sawitz
Alan Belcher vs. Jason MacDonald: The big question to this fight is whether or not Alan Belcher has lost anything since his eye problems. It’s been quite some time since he’s fought and Jason MacDonald isn’t an easy out by any stretch of the means. But Belcher is way more talented and on the upside of his career. MacDonald isn’t. I like Belcher to win by strikes early in the second. – Scott Sawitz
Evan Dunham vs. Shamar Bailey: Seeing as Dunham is riding a two fight losing streak and Bailey’s only victory was a boring unanimous decision victory, saying the loser of the fight could get cut wouldn’t be too far off the target. Bailey will walk into this fight trying to negate Dunham’s BJJ skills by staying on top of him after he gets the takedown, but I think Dunham will catch Bailey in a guillotine or an armbar for the win. – Jon Kirschner
