A welterweight title shot may very well have been on the line tonight (Fri., June 1, 2012) at The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 15 Finale at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada, as Jake Ellenberger took on Martin Kampmann.
Ellenberger brought a six fight winning streak with him to the cage, while "The Hitman" came in having won two in a row over game opponents in a division light on top contenders at present time. It all added up to a number one contender bout, especially for "The Juggernaut."
It's just too bad for him he got caught coming in.
Indeed, Ellenberger looked strong early, overwhelming Kampmann in the first round en route to an easy 10-9. He looked to be doing the same in the second until the Dane blasted him with a short right that had him wobbling around the cage. After a couple knees, that was all she wrote.
Jon Anik told Kampmann in the post-fight interview it looked like he was headed for a showdown against Johny Hendricks and what he thought of that potential bout. "He's a friend but I think we can put on a show," he said.
Count me in.
Ellenberger exploded out of the gate, like he usually does, and floored Kampmann with a left hand. His follow up shots were thunderous but never quite found their mark like the one that knocked Martin down and, knowing this thing was scheduled for five rounds, Jake sat down on his attack.
Kampmann's defense to Ellenberger sitting on top was to grab for a guillotine choke. He never found it but he did manage to get back to his feet before the round ended.
No matter, he was down 0-1.
Yet again, Ellenberger blitzed and had Kampmann tossed around the cage. But "The Hitman" stayed in there, never one to fade easy. And, just like his last fight, it paid off, as he fired back with a short right hand that wobbled Ellenberger.
The follow up knees sealed the deal and Ellenberger kissing the mat represented his kissing his title shot goodbye.
What a comeback.
Remember, too, to check out MMAmania.com's complete coverage of the TUF 15 Finale by clicking here.