See what Jake Ellenberger has to say after coming out on top in a 3 round war with Diego Sanchez

BY RILEY ROSS | 8:56 PM, MONDAY, FEB. 13 | POSTED IN SPORTS BLOG

Jake hits mits during UFC on FuelTV open workouts

Jake Ellenberger spent five hours Sunday afternoon doing photo shoots, media appearances and radio and television interviews — all mandated for main-card fighters in the UFC. Jake and his brother Joe moved quickly from place to place to meet the busy schedule.

When Jake first started doing interviews a number of years ago, he admitted that he didn’t always articulate his thoughts, and interviews took longer due to lack of practice.

Much improved, he now jokes and laughs during media sessions. Not one to trash talk, Jake gave upcoming opponent Diego Sanchez credit for his skill set and record, but doesn’t worry about the outcome of Wednesday’s fight — the maxim “Respect all, fear none,” is one he takes to heart.

After Jake finished up his media requirements, we held his last training session before an uphill battle to make it to 171 pounds at the weigh-in, scheduled for 4 p.m. Tuesday.

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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.

The media coverage that comes with fighting on the main card against a top-ten opponent is relentless. Phone calls, emails and text messages come from local, national and international media entities.

The media coverage that comes with fighting on the main card against a top-ten opponent is relentless. Phone calls, emails and text messages come from local, national and international media entities.

During the week of a fight, Jake Ellenberger typically does anywhere from 50 to 100 interviews. He answers every question, repeating himself often.

Turning off the switch — that is, being able to stay focused despite the media circus — is one of the key challenges during fight week. Which is one of the reasons Jake woke up Friday to find a text message from Omaha sports psychologist Jack Stark, who has served a portfolio of national athletes and coaches, from college football to NASCAR.

Jake relies on Stark to help improve his psychological performance. His methods are meant to help rein in any obsessive mental focus aimed at an upcoming competition — common among elite athletes — which can lead to intellectual wear and tear.

Stark suggested that Jake wear rubber bands on his wrists. Snapping the bands triggers a physical recall which helps Jake focus on the present. At times, Jake snaps his wrists constantly. I sometimes joke that he should ice his wrists the same way he does the rest of his body.

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BY RILEY ROSS | 1:39 AM, FRIDAY, FEB. 10 | POSTED IN SPORTS BLOG

Event Card

Main Card

Sanchez vs Ellenberger
Struve vs Herman
Simpson vs Markes
Miocic vs De Fries
Dillashaw vs Watson
Menjivar vs Albert

Prelims

Brookins vs Rocha
Roberts vs Loeffler
Kuivanen vs Salas
Means vs Magalhaes

Fight Week Activities

Tuesday, Feb 14
2:00 PM CT
UFC Q&A with welterweight contender Johny Hendricks
Omaha Civic Auditorium
Map

Tuesday, Feb 14
4:00 PM CT
UFC on FuelTV Official Weigh-in
Omaha Civic Auditorium
Map

8:00 PM CT
UFC on FuelTV Pre-Fight Party with MARK MUNOZ
The Salty Dog
2411 South 24th Street, Council Bluffs, IA 51501
Map

Wednesday, Feb 15
5:20 PM CT
UFC on FuelTV LIVE
Omaha Civic Auditorium
Map

Wednesday, Feb 15
10:00 PM CT
UFC on FUEL TV After-Party with Jake Ellenberger
Club O
1015 Farnam St
Omaha NE, 68102
402-502-7888
Map

BY RILEY ROSS | 1:37 AM, THURSDAY, FEB. 9 | POSTED IN SPORTS BLOG

Jake Ellenberger laid on a table for two hours, his massage therapist working his lower back, shoulders and legs. But this is no spa treatment for the UFC fighter set to square off with Diego Sanchez on Feb. 15.

When training two to four times a day, maintenance and integrity of the muscle is important, especially considering the constant contractions and pressure put on a fighter’s body.

Jake woke up 5 a.m. Tuesday to fuel up. He then met me at the gym for a specialized strength and conditioning session called lactic acid training (more on that in a later blog). After discussing game plans and his schedule for the next week, he left — nearly three hours later.

Film of Sanchez rolled across the TV before Jake found himself back in training mode at 4:30 p.m.
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The Ultimate Show is locked and loaded for another episode!

Kenda Perez returns to recap UFC 143 as she looks at the fight between Carlos Condit and Nick Diaz and takes a look ahead to UFC on Fuel TV 1 which features Jake Ellenberger and Diego Sanchez.

Bleacher Report sat down with Ellenberger for an exclusive one-on-one interview. Ellenberger breaks down Sanchez and what the biggest challenges are that he presents. We even go as far to ask Jake for his prediction on the fight. He doesn’t disappoint as he expects to walk away with his hand raised.

Read more and watch the interview >>>

BY RILEY ROSS | 1:43 AM, WEDNESDAY, FEB. 8 | POSTED IN SPORTS BLOG