Mythical MMA travelman Jay Ellis thinks he already had the talent to get the UFC, and despite his 16-110 record he might be something.
Ellis has fought against a young prospect that has been put on its way on the regional circuit, including some important names that would surprise hardcore fans. A young Colby Covington and Anthony Pettis appear on his enormous lation of losses, six years apart.
He even managed to win one; Taking a scalp from Gerald Meerschaert when the future UFC star was only 1-0 in his cage career. Although he lost their rematch years later, the wrestling hunter has a clear pedigree against UFC-Calibre athletes.
MMA travelman Jay Ellis believes he could have made the UFC
Ellis appeared in a recent episode of the MMA History Podcast, which has been dug up by Mmamania in recent days. He told the story about how he got into sport and his up and down career start, which initially started going 0-4.
An important factor, Ellis notes, is that of his 126 professional fights and boxing outings, he has only had three or four 'camps'. He believes that with the right training and management he had the UFC one day to reach the UFC.
“At first I won my fights and people didn't know what was happening,” he explained. “Things happened at home and I just couldn't afford to pay more for sports costs, I could afford it [Mark] Henry's gym costs.
“So I tried to be independent, I only bounced from gym to gym training, just doing my own thing. That was not too smart because I should have had a team, someone who is going to push me and be with me who had this, that and the third.
“Promoters called on me left and right and asked me for fighting, I didn't really have a lot of work, so I would take them …”
Jay Ellis has a number of amazing victories in 16-110 MMA record
Ultimately, according to the host of the podcast, Ellis eventually fights against 30 opponents who have achieved the UFC and more than 12 Bellator hunters. Two of those Bellator hunters even finally won titles in the promotion.
What is remarkable is that his victories include Meerschaert who is still in the UFC to this day and Daniel Straus, who then became Bellator champion. His last victory came in November 2021 when he submitted Black Belt Rodrigo Almeida.
“It is a hell of a CV, man,” Ellis noted as he shook his head. “Every time I look at those guys who are in the UFC, I get a little sad because I know I could have been there if I had just stayed focused, man.
“If I just took it more seriously, the right coaches, positive people around me, I could have made it. I get a little sad.”