Jake Ellenberger
Active 2009–present · rated in 3 editions · peak overall 81.0
Scouting report
Knockout punching power and an NCAA wrestling base allowed Jake "The Juggernaut" Ellenberger to score finishes over Jake Shields, Nate Marquardt, and Josh Koscheck. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Ellenberger's overhand right is captured by an 86 Boxing rating and 84 Wrestling.
Peak ratings
By edition
Ellenberger established himself as a top-five contender between 2011 and 2013, stopping Jake Shields with a knee and punches in round one in New Orleans, defeating Diego Sanchez in Omaha, and knocking out Nate Marquardt in round one at UFC 158 in Montreal before losing to Martin Kampmann by knees in round two and to Rory MacDonald on a decision. His punching power and collegiate wrestling base are reflected in an 86 Boxing and 84 Wrestling.
In 2014 and 2015, Ellenberger endured a challenging run against Robbie Lawler and Kelvin Gastelum before rebounding in February 2015 at UFC 184 in Los Angeles, submitting Josh Koscheck with a second-round north-south choke. His overhand right power, front-choke submission danger, and wrestling are captured in his 84 Boxing and 82 Wrestling ratings.
Ellenberger stopped Matt Brown in round one with a body kick and punches at UFC 201 in Atlanta in July 2016, before a first-round TKO loss to Jorge Masvidal and a knockout against Mike Perry in Nashville. His power punching, body strikes, and frame anchor his 82 Boxing and 80 Wrestling across these final matchups.
Jake Ellenberger, the puncher from Nebraska
Jake Ellenberger came from Omaha and made his name as a hard puncher and a solid wrestler. He fought many of the top welterweights of his era. His right hand was the tool that most often ended fights. In a draft he is a compact, dangerous pick for fighters who want early knockouts. He was best when a fight was short and loud. His right hand was fast enough to find openings and heavy enough to make them count, and a few of his wins came in the opening round for that reason. The wrestling behind it was good enough to keep him from being easily taken down.
Ellenberger's ratings
Boxing. His best number. He throws heavy punches and follows with quick combinations.
Kickboxing. Weak. He does not kick much, and he can be picked apart from range.
Wrestling. Strong. His wrestling base lets him defend takedowns and take a man down.
BJJ. One of his lowest numbers. He is not a submission threat.
Strength. Strong. He is powerful, and his punches carry real force.
Durability. Good. He can absorb punches but has been stopped by strong hitters.
Cardio. Fair. He slows in the later rounds.
Fight IQ. Fair. He can be reckless in his search for the knockout.
Boxing is his weapon
On his peak card, his boxing is the headline number. He builds his game around one plan, and it has worked when he gets clean shots. In a fight game, that makes him a good choice when you want early pressure. That profile has an obvious drawback, which is that his numbers fall off when the first burst does not land. Later in his career the ratings drop across the board, and the peak card here reflects the version of him who was still finishing fights early.
Kicks and ground work are the leaks: Kickboxing
Kickboxing and BJJ share the lowest number. Someone who keeps range and uses kicks, or someone who can get him to the floor, can neutralize his hands. He needs support from teammates on both ends.
Keep exploring
Closest welterweight profiles to Jake Ellenberger, measured by how near their peak attribute ratings sit across all eight categories.
- Rick Storybest wrestling 84 · weakest kickboxing 70
- Josh Koscheckbest wrestling 89 · weakest kickboxing 70
- Kelvin Gastelumbest boxing 86 · weakest kickboxing 74
- Mike Piercebest wrestling 83 · weakest kickboxing 68
- Welterweight division guide: how the whole division rates and who to draft from it.
- Grappling vs striking in the draft: a guide that fits Jake Ellenberger's strongest attribute, Boxing.
Draft Jake Ellenberger into your build
Jake Ellenberger enters the pool on any spin landing on welterweight between 2010 and 2017. Spin, draft eight attributes, then simulate 25 fights.
Ratings shown are my own estimates, made with AI assistance and informed by how Jake Ellenberger is regarded by the MMA community. They are unofficial and do not constitute an assessment of Jake Ellenberger's real-world abilities. How the ratings are made. See the disclaimer below. Ratings and write-ups by Haaris A. Last reviewed 2026-09-30; spot an error? Tell us. Read our editorial standards.