Mythical MMA journeyman Jay Ellis, known for his extensive fight history, believes he possessed the potential to compete in the UFC, a claim that holds surprising weight despite his unconventional record of 16 wins and 110 losses.
Throughout his career on the regional circuit, Ellis faced numerous promising young fighters, including names that might surprise dedicated fans. Notably, both a young Colby Covington and Anthony Pettis feature among his many defeats, with their bouts occurring six years apart.
Remarkably, he secured a victory against Gerald Meerschaert early in Meerschaert`s career (when he was just 1-0), who later became a UFC staple. Although Ellis lost their subsequent rematch years later, his record demonstrates experience against fighters who reached a high level in the sport.
MMA journeyman Jay Ellis believes he could have made the UFC
Ellis shared his story on a recent episode of the MMA History Podcast. He recounted his entry into the sport and the initial struggles of his career, including an early record of 0 wins and 4 losses.
A significant point Ellis highlighted is that despite participating in 126 professional fights (plus boxing matches), he only had a few proper training “camps” (three or four). He expressed confidence that with consistent, structured training and good management, he could have reached the UFC.
He explained his early success followed by a decline: “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… So I tried to be independent… That wasn’t too smart because I should have had a team… 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…”
Jay Ellis has some stunning wins in 16-110 MMA record
According to the podcast host, Ellis faced approximately 30 fighters who later competed in the UFC and over 12 Bellator fighters, including two who went on to win Bellator titles.
It`s notable that his wins include current UFC fighter Gerald Meerschaert and former Bellator champion Daniel Straus. His most recent recorded victory was in November 2021, a submission win against Rodrigo Almeida.
Reflecting on his career, Ellis commented, “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.”
