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What do you want to see from Jake Ellenberger next after his KO win over Nate Marquardt, and how many wins from a title shot might he be?
RICH HANSEN, MMATORCH COLUMNIST
Personally, being a bit of a troll, I want to see Jake Ellenberger vs. Johny Hendricks, just to see if the amount of stress that decision would cause Hendricks would lead to his beard turning grey, or falling out even. That's a fight Hendricks should win. They're similar fighters, but I think Hendricks is slightly better in a couple of facets of the game. Plus, if the UFC does go the Troll Johny Hendricks route, that would lead (potentially) to use seeing GSP vs. Anderson Silva and Hendricks vs. Condit. And to me, that pair of fights is far more intriguing than GSP vs. Hendricks (GSP by decision by jab and lateral movement) and Ellenberger vs. Maia.
But, if I'm forced to look at this from the perspective of what is likely to happen, GSP is going to face Hendricks, Ellenberger vs. Maia should happen, with the winners of each fight facing off against each other next.
FRANK HYDEN, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
I think he's at least two solid wins from a title shot. The division is thick, and Ellenberger won't be able to leapfrog enough guys to get a title shot anytime soon. Give him another good opponent and see what happens. If he wins that, maybe put him in a number one contender's fight.
TONY BECERRA, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
Jake Ellenberger looked as impressive as ever on Saturday night. I definitely believe he is one or two fights away from fighting for the title. Jake Ellenberger's next fight should be on the same card as GSP-Hendricks for the #1 contender. If he is healthy and ready to fight sooner, then a fight against Demian Maia would be a good start.
ERIC HOBAUGH, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
I would love to see him fight Carlos Condit or Nick Diaz. I think if he can beat either of those two, he can make his claim for a title shot. Whether or not the UFC will give it to him, is a better question. The way Dana White and the UFC hand out title shots is a mystery at best. I feel like he is one or two more wins away from a title shot. I also thought Hendricks should have been fighting GSP at UFC 158.
BRAD WALKER, MMATORCH COLUMNIST
I want to see Ellenberger vs Condit happen. Condit lost nothing in his bout with Hendricks on Saturday, he came for a war and he put out as hard as he could, even nearly outstriking Hendricks by double on the statistical side of things. Condit has far and above proven that his chin is solid, and Ellenberger - well he needs a damn good opponent and these guys are basically the next 2 in line for a title shot so let's have them face off ASAP.
DAN MOORE, MMATORCH UK CONTRIBUTOR
Potential super fights involving GSP aside, he's probably only one more big win from being behind Johny Hendricks as a 170 lb contender. He was superb against Nate Marquardt, is improving with every fight and another impressive performance should see him seal a title shot.
Had Ellenberger beat Martin Kampman last year, he would already be in that spot. Alll he needs now is one big win against a top five opponent much like Hendricks achieved for himself against Condit. I like the idea of a No. 1 contender fight with Demian Maia next, with the winner facing off against the winner of St-Pierre vs. Hendricks.
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