Ellenberger ruled out retirement from MMA (Daniel Shirey/UFC)
At 32, Jake ellenberger He is going through, by far, the worst phase of his career, accumulating seven setbacks in his last nine fights. The crushing defeats – four of them by knockouts – and the increasingly less impressive performances caused several Ultimate fighters, including, Mike Perry, his most recent tormentor, suggested that the North American retire from MMA. The idea, however, is not part of The Juggernaut's plans.
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“Unfortunately, I have been to this place before. Nobody can decide for me. I've been a critic, talking about guys and when they should be retiring, but it really isn't anyone's decision but your own. This is what makes this sport as interesting and unique as it is. I know the right time. I know my career is coming to an end, but this is not how I want to retire. I know the exact time. I am 32 years old. I'm not a 22 year old anymore. But I still like what I do,” said Ellenberger, in an interview with 'MMAjunkie Radio'.
Despite his age considered low for the sport, Ellenberger can already be considered an MMA veteran. With 44 fights in his record – 31 triumphs and 13 setbacks – he guarantees that, although he is not yet thinking about retiring, he needs to start planning the end of his career.
“For me, health is number one. My family, my son – those things are definitely the most important. But you have to ask yourself why you're still in the sport, and do you have an expiration date to retire. I think I have a good idea of when I will retire, and I think that will be part of my strategy for retiring from the sport,” concluded Jake.
In Ultimate since 2009, Jake ellenberger He has already had 19 fights, having obtained ten victories and nine defeats. His most recent performance was last April, when he was knocked out by Mike Perry No. UFC Nashville.
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