Jake Ellenberger: Carlos Condit Doesn’t Want Rematch

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Coming off his UFC on Fuel 1 win over Diego Sanchez, Jake Ellenberger would like a rematch with interim welterweight champion Carlos Condit.

He doesn’t think Condit wants the fight, though, and he’s not sure if it’s in the UFC’s plans either.

“I think the fans do want it, but at the same time, I don’t know if that’s what the UFC wants or not,” Ellenberger told the Sherdog Radio Network’s “Beatdown” show. “I really don’t. If it was up to me, then yeah, we’d probably be fighting in May or June, but I don’t know if that’s what the UFC wants. I think they kind of still put it in Condit’s hands, but I know Carlos. I know his manager, and I know they don’t want that fight. But again, if I put myself in their shoes, I don’t blame them.”

Condit edged Ellenberger on a split decision when they met on Sept. 16, 2009, at UFC Fight Night 19. Ellenberger was a late replacement for the bout and battered Condit in the opening round. Condit rallied to get the victory, though, and won his next four as well.

Most recently the Jackson’s MMA product outpointed Nick Diaz on Feb. 4 at UFC 143. That fight was for the interim title because champion Georges St. Pierre is recovering from a knee injury. Condit has said he may wait on St. Pierre to recover and fight him next, but if St. Pierre is on the sidelines for a prolonged period, he may fight someone else in the meantime.

Ellenberger wants to be that opponent.

“It’s not even necessarily a personal thing,” he said. ”Carlos right now has the belt, and that’s where I want to be. He’s a fantastic fighter and he’s in the position he’s in for a reason. I was hoping I could get another rematch with Condit, but whether he fights again is going to be up to him. … I wouldn’t blame him if he wants to wait. That’s just the reality of it, but in my opinion, I sure hope I get that fight.”

Listen to the full interview (beginning at 1:19:05).