UFC on Versus 2 Play-by-Play: John Howard (14-4) vs. Jake Ellenberger (22-5)

Tonight’s UFC 116 live blog is brought to you by Fighters Guard MMA Agents and Intimidation MMA Apparel .

1st round 

The third man in the cage will be Herb Dean. 

Ellenberger comes in quick and gets caught with a left hook.  Ellenberger gets Howard in a body lock and pins him against the octagon fence.  Ellenberger works his knees to the body of Howard, who seems unfazed. 

After some time locked up with each other, Herb Dean seperates them.  Ellenberger gets the takedown and sets up camp on top position.  Ellenberger works from the closed guard of Howard.  He begins to land some elbows to the face/head of Howard. 

Howard’s defense keeps Ellenberger from landing much, however, he cant get much going on offense.  Herb Dean stands them up, and they exchange strikers.  Ellenberger lands mostly right hands, and Howard lands kicks.  When Howard comes at Ellenberger, he gets taken to the ground again.  Ellenberger stays on top as the 1st round ends.  (Ellenberger 10-9)

2nd round

The second round gets started with a much quicker pace. 

After some initial trading, Ellenberger gets another takedown.  From bottom, Howard goes for a submission while Ellenberger works elbows to the face.  Howard finally gets control of Ellenberger’s arms and immediately goes for an armbar. 

When Ellenberger lands some hammerfists to the face, Howard forgets about the submission.  Howard continues to try and get out from the bottom, but Ellenberger stays on top and keeps him there with some ground and pound.  Howard gets to his feet and presses Ellenberger against the fence.  Howard lands a knee and a right hand that has Ellenberger backpedaling. 

Ellenberger stays under control and gets the double leg takedown to stay out of trouble.  Ellenberger is throwing some light punches from the top and mixing in a heavy elbow here and there.  Ellenberger, again, stays on top as the middle round comes to an end.  (Ellenberger 10-9)

3rd round 

The final round is underway. 

Howard’s eye is swollen shut, but he stays in it.  Howard lands a flying knee, but Ellenberger is game.  Howard goes in for a takedown but Ellenberger stuffs it and pushes him away.  Ellenberger lunges in, trying to hit with his jabs.  He forgets the stand-up and shoots in and gets the takedown. 

Ellenberger is now on top again and immediately goes to work on the body.  Herb Dean continues to warn the two to work.  He stands it up and has the doctor check Howard’s eye.  The doctor looks for a second and says that it is over.

Official Decision – Ellenberger 3rd round TKO (2:21)