Rick Story (pictured) got back in the win column at UFC 158, and now has his sights set on a rematch with Jake Ellenberger. Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
UFC welterweight Rick Story wants to follow up his UFC 158 win with a chance at fighting Jake Ellenberger, the fighter told GracieMag.com recently.
A match with Ellenberger, who also collected a win at UFC 158, is the only fight for Story, he said, because it gives him the best chance to get back into 170-pound title contention.
“I want to fight Jake because right now he’s impressive,” Story explained. “He’s one of the most impressive guys in the welterweight division.
“With a win against him, it’ll get me right back in for a title shot.”
Story and Ellenberger have met before. In 2008, the two squared off at Sport Fight 23, a regional event in Portland, Ore., where Story came out on top with a decision-win.
Although the fight was decided by the judges, Story said he plans on finishing every fight he has from now on. If Ellenberger is his next opponent, the same goes for that contest.
Jake Ellenberger reacts after knocking out Nate Marquardt in their welterweight bout during UFC 158. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
“I’ve already beat Ellenberger, so why not do this again,” he said. “He’s winning fights impressively, and I like to think I’ve got my mind set to do the same thing every fight from here on out. I’m sure it’s going to be another barn burner.
“It just feels too good to finish guys. So when I go out there, I’m going for the kill … to finish the fight.”
Story went on to add that he doesn’t know how Ellenberger feels about a potential rematch with him, but “The Juggernaut” recently told Bleacher Report’s Duane Finley that he has his sights set on Johny Hendricks.
Ellenberger, in fact, is so eager to beat Hendricks that the fighter said he wants to don Hendricks’ teeth as a fashion accessory.
“I want to wear Johny Hendricks’s teeth as a necklace,” Ellenberger said.
UFC President Dana White, however, confirmed last weekend that Hendricks is next in line for a title shot, and will likely face champion Georges St-Pierre in Las Vegas later this year. With GSP-Hendricks seemingly booked, Ellenberger may very well be an option for Story.
“It’s going to be an exciting fight if it happens,” Story said. “This is the only fight that makes sense to me.”
Other than the comments from White saying St-Pierre and Hendricks are set to face off, no other UFC 158 welterweights currently have fights scheduled.
