UFC 126 Preview: The Main Card

Jake Ellenberger (top) | Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com

The Matchup: The hard-charging Ellenberger was lined up for a match with Jon Fitch on two occasions, only to have them fall through. That is unfortunate, because he is a virtual carbon copy of Fitch, with better striking, to boot. Rocha debuted with a gorgeous kneebar submission win over “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 11 finalist Kris McCray at UFC 122, showing the kind of tactical smarts and headiness in a first-timer that prompts high expectations.

With the welterweight division in need of top contenders that have not already been steamrolled by champion Georges St. Pierre, the implications for this match are clear.

Rocha is unbeaten and has had only one fight reach the second round, but the combined record of his suspect opposition stands at 31-44-5. Ellenberger is talented, tough and experienced and came close to beating former World Extreme Cagefighting welterweight champion Carlos Condit in his promotional debut at UFC Fight Night 19. Along with his considerable wrestling chops, his seasoning should prove a key factor here.

The Pick: Look for Ellenberger to push the pace, take it to the floor and pick his spots, uncorking a punishing ground-and-pound attack en route to a third-round stoppage.

Next Fight: Torres vs. Banuelos