BY RILEY ROSS | 7:05 PM, SUNDAY, FEB. 12 | POSTED IN SPORTS BLOG
Jake Signing Promotional Posters for UFC on FuelTV
Call it home-field advantage.
The fifth day before fight night is typically considered a travel day. Jake Ellenberger usually boards an airplane, joined by his brother Joe, his trainers, jiu-jitsu coach Scott Morton and myself, and heads off for the fight location. Between packing for countless workouts, media appearances, the usual airline check-in procedures and delays, it’s a hassle.
Many fighters don’t enjoy it, and Jake is no exception. But early Saturday, Jake and Joe headed to downtown Omaha to check into their hotel, just blocks away from the Civic Auditorium — where Wednesday’s fight with Diego Sanchez takes place. I’ll arrive later, toting seven gallons of water, a portable griddle and enough chicken to feed Jake for the rest of the week.
The hotel’s main ballroom, crawling with UFC staff, has been constructed into what the UFC calls the “command center.” Of all the UFC personnel — whose job it is to make sure everything is in place when UFC President Dana White arrives — there is one who stands out: Burt Watson.
Watson ensures that the fighter’s flights are taken care of, transportation to and from the hotel is arranged, groceries and per diem allowances are distributed, even that the fighter’s mouthpiece arrives in time.
Fight Week Blog – Home-Field Hotel
February 13, 2012 By
