Skip to content

Masvidal beats Ellenberger in bizarre TKO stoppage

Joshua Lindsey / USA TODAY

Jorge Masvidal's second straight victory didn't come by the most conventional of methods.

"Gamebred" was declared the winner by TKO in the first round of his welterweight bout with Jake Ellenberger at The Ultimate Fighter 24 finale in Las Vegas on Saturday. Ellenberger suffered an injury after a failed charge ended with his toes caught in the Octagon fence, prompting referee Herb Dean to waive the fight off at the 4:05 mark.

The bizarre stoppage capped an impressive performance from Masvidal, who ditched his typically cagey ways and took the fight to a proven knockout artist in Ellenberger. The Miami native's counters had "The Juggerknaut" retreating early, prompting Masvidal to uncork a barrage of punches that sent Ellenberger to the canvas less than two minutes in.

Although Ellenberger miraculously recovered from the onslaught, "Gamebred" handily won the ensuing exchanges until the freak injury brought the bout to a surreal end. The result didn't deter Masvidal from challenging Donald Cerrone - who's set to fight Matt Brown at UFC 206 - once it was deemed official.

The stoppage, however unforeseen, brings Ellenberger back to square one after snapping a two-fight skid with a first-round knockout of Brown at UFC 201. The 31-year-old, ranked 15th heading into Saturday, has now dropped six of his last eight fights.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox