Jake Ellenberger Says He’s Not Ready to Retire After Knockout Loss at UFC Fight Night 108

MMAjunkie Radio recently interviewed MMA fighter Jake Ellenberger, who commented on his recent knockout loss to Mike Perry at UFC Fight Night 108. Ellenberger was on the receiving end of a brutal knockout elbow from Perry. For Ellenberger, he has lost his last four out of five fights. However, Ellenberger claims he’s not ready to call it quits on his MMA career yet.

Ellenberger on his loss: “Unfortunately, I’ve been in this place before. Nobody can decide (but me). I’ve been a critic, myself, talking about guys and when they should be done, but it’s really no one’s decision but your own. The many ways I picured that fight going, (getting knocked out) was never a thought. That’s what makes this sport as interesting and unique as it is. I know what time it is. I know my door’s coming to a close, but that’s not how I want to be finished. I know what time it is. I’m 32. I’m not 22 anymore. But I still enjoy what I do.”

Ellenberger on why he’s still in it: “For me, health is No. 1. My family, my son – these things are definitely the most important. But you have to ask yourself why you’re still in it, and do you have a date when you want to be done. People’s careers come to an end before most of them anticipate it in most professional sports. I think i have a good idea when I’m going to be done, and I think that’s a big part of the exit strategy. If I’m struggling or not doing well in the gym, that’s an easy sign to the door. But when I’m beating everybody in the gym – everything’s going right right now. Everything’s clicking. What happened with Perry happened. But I haven’t missed a step. I’m not slowing down. I’m pretty cerebral. I had a great strategy. It’s one of those things – things were going very well for me, so it’s easy to say I’m not done.”

Ellenberger on Mike Perry: “He can say what he wants. I shook his hand in the lobby the next morning and we move on. He got me. That’s part of the competition. You shake hands and walk away. But as far as what he said afterward, it means nothing to me.”

Ellenberger on feeling good physically: “It was probably the best I’d been in four or five years – the best I’d felt physically. Everything was definitely clicking. I’m very objective with myself. I’m not going to let my ego get in the way. I had no continuing symptoms, no headaches, nothing that continued to affect me (after the knockout). I feel normal. But it’s one of those things – you’ve got to take a little time and reflect. It’s tough to put logic in this sport. Everything can be going perfectly. This fight, things were great. I really have nothing to lay my hat on. I got caught. I’ve said this my whole career: The better guy doesn’t always win. That’s not taking away anything from Mike Perry, but the more opportunistic guy comes out on top. You can’t base it strictly on skill alone.”