Despite holding a remarkable professional mixed martial arts record of 16 wins and 110 losses, veteran “journeyman” Jay Ellis contends that he possessed the necessary skill to compete in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). His assertion, while eyebrow-raising given his win-loss ratio, is based on his experience fighting many future stars.
Throughout his extensive career on the regional circuit, Ellis faced a multitude of young prospects. His lengthy list of opponents notably includes fighters who would later achieve major fame, such as a young Colby Covington and Anthony Pettis, whom he met several years apart in their careers.
In a surprising turn, Ellis even secured a victory against Gerald Meerschaert early in Meerschaert`s fighting journey, when he held a record of just 1-0. Although Ellis lost their rematch years later, this win highlights that he was capable of challenging athletes who would eventually reach the highest level of the sport.
Veteran Journeyman Jay Ellis Reflects on His Potential for the UFC
Ellis recently discussed his career on the MMA History Podcast, a segment of which was highlighted by MMAMania. He recounted how he entered the sport and described the challenging beginning of his career, which saw him start with an 0-4 record.
A key factor Ellis pointed out is that over his 126 professional MMA fights and various boxing matches, he had only participated in three or four formal training “camps.” He believes that with proper coaching and management, he genuinely had the capability to make it to the UFC.
“I was winning my fights at first and people didn’t know what happened,” he explained. “Things happened at home and I just couldn’t afford to pay for gym fees any more, I could afford [Mark] Henry’s gym fees.”
“So I tried to be independent, I was bouncing around from gym to gym training on my own, just doing my own thing. That wasn’t too smart because I should have had a team, somebody that’s going to push me and be with me all the time telling me this, that and the third.”
“Promoters were calling me up left and right asking me for fights, I didn’t really have much of a job, so I would take them…”
Surprising Victories on Jay Ellis`s Extensive Record
According to the podcast`s host, Ellis ended up facing approximately 30 fighters who eventually made it to the UFC, along with more than 12 Bellator fighters, two of whom became champions in that promotion.
What`s particularly noteworthy is that his win column includes impressive names like Gerald Meerschaert, who remains a current UFC fighter, and Daniel Straus, who went on to become a Bellator champion. His most recent win was a submission victory over black belt Rodrigo Almeida in November 2021.
“It’s a hell of a resume, man,” Ellis noted while shaking his head. “Every time I look at those guys who are in the UFC I get kind of sad because I know I could have been there if I had just stayed focused, man.”
“If I just took it more seriously, had the right coaches, positive people around me, I could have made it. I get kind of sad.”
