UFC Fight Night 135 results: Jake Ellenberger retires after Barberena gets first round TKO

Welterweights Bryan Barberena and Jake Ellenberger squared off tonight (Sat., Aug. 25, 2018) in Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska, live and free on Fox Sports 1.

The hometown hero, Jake Ellenberger, came out feinting against the southpaw Barberena, and landed a combination of hooks early. They clinched up in the middle, Ellenberger getting the better of strikes in the tie-up. He kicked Barberena’s inside leg, Barberena returned the favor. They traded, both men slipping and landing. Ellenberger landed the body kick that melted Matt Brown. Barberena dropped Ellenberger with the right hook on a charging combination! He followed up, with Ellenberger trying to recover, but when Ellenberger tried to stand, he stumbled and fell hard onto the mat. Barberena got on top and slammed home ground and pound on a shelled up Ellenberger until the referee had seen enough! Great first round win for Bryan Barberena, who silenced the crowd that favored Nebraska native Jake Ellenberger.

In the post-fight interview, Bryan shouted out his kids and said his wife has been extremely supportive while he has been away at camp. He said he smelled blood in the water and went for the finish. He gave respect and love to Ellenberger and his brother (who he also defeated in the past) to cheers from the crowd. He said he doesn’t care about wins and losses any more, he just wants to bang. He also thanked Erik’s physical therapy (whoever that is) for getting him to the fight.

Jake Ellenberger also got a post-fight interview, and said there is no better place to set the gloves down in the same place he started. He ceremoniously placed his gloves on the Octagon floor and called it a career! He thanked the crowd for having been there since 2005 for his career. Ellenberger has had a memorable career in mixed martial arts, and will be remembered for being a top fighter for a very long time.

Official result: Bryan Barberena def. Jake Ellenberger via TKO at 2:26 of Round 1.

For complete UFC Fight Night 135 results, including play-by-play, click here