Jake Ellenberger Discusses Fighting at Home for UFC Fight Night 135

MMAjunkie recently spoke to Jake Ellenberger on fight week ahead of UFC Fight Night 135. Ellenberger faces Bryan Baberena for tonight’s fight card, which is being held in Lincoln, Nebraska. Below are some highlights.

Ellenberger on fighting in Lincoln: “I spent a lot of time growing up here in Lincoln going to Huskers games – equally as much time, probably, as I have in Omaha. But it still feels special to come back. My family’s here, my dad lives here. All the support definitely means a lot. … They’re excited, I’m excited – it’s going to be good.”

Jake Ellenberger on his previous losses: “Certainly (there was) a lot of frustration after that last fight. But the accountability’s definitely on me. This is one of those sports where there’s no room for error. You make a single mistake, it could cost you the fight, cost you a world title – that’s the reality of the sport. I’ve been doing this a long time, so it’s nothing new. That’s what mixed martial arts is – it’s a lot of adversity, a lot of adjustments, pivoting, moving forward. But you have to continue moving forward. There was a lot of progression leading up to the last fight. I got a little complacent in a position. I kind of got relaxed, made a mistake and paid for it.”

His thoughts on Bryan Baberena: “There’s no easy fight, there’s no cakewalk fight at this level. But my brother fought him – I love that. I was in the corner when Joe fought him. He’s definitely a tough guy, but for me it’s just continuing to go forward, progressing, and I think the best is going to come out of me on Saturday.”