Ben Saunders vs. Jake Ellenberger Fight Prediction – UFC 111

BEN SAUNDERS vs. JAKE ELLENBERGER

Fight Overview:  Two tough Welterweights with dangerous striking games meet to distance themselves from the pack in the crowded Welterweight division.  Saunders' height makes him a tough opponent for anyone in the division, but Ellenberger has a big experience advantage.

Saunders' Strengths:  Saunders has a ridiculous reach advantage, great Muay Thai, and an unorthodox but very effective submission attack.

Saunders' Weaknesses:  Saunders is vulnerable to being knocked out, and his wrestling game and takedown defense are subpar.

Ellenberger's Strengths:  Ellenberger has very powerful boxing, solid wrestling, very good submission defense, and has never been finished by strikes.

Ellenberger's Weaknesses:  He doesn't have much in the way of submissions, and is going to be giving up a huge height and reach advantage.

The Verdict:  Ellenberger has the edge in experience, but Saunders' reach advantage is going to be difficult for him to overcome.  Ellenberger can probably take Saunders down, but Saunders has a big edge in grappling, and on the feet his reach advantage and his superior clinch game will give Ellenberger fits.  Saunders by UD.

Fight Prediction:  Ben Saunders by unanimous decision.