Jake Ellenberger is proud to represent the SafeAuto Fight Team

SafeAuto Fight Team member Jake Ellenberger has trained hard for his upcoming fight against Carlos Rocha in UFC® 126: SILVA vs BELFORT.  As Ellenberger is known for being outspoken, he sat down for an exclusive video interview with the Play It Safe Blog.

As always, for more exclusive videos and interviews of your favorite SafeAuto Fight Team members, check out www.safeauto.com/mma

Melvin Guillard is proud to represent the SafeAuto Fight Team

SafeAuto Fight Team member Melvin Guillard has seen a lot in his day while compiling an overall MMA record of 44-9-3.  There is one thing however that will never get old for Guillard; performing in front of US soldiers.  Guillard sat down with the Play It Safe Blog for an exclusive interview as he gets ready for his upcoming bout against Evan Dunham:

Play It Safe Blog: How has your training been going so far?

Melvin Guillard: It’s gone great. We’ve been in New Mexico the last three months. I haven’t seen my family since Fathers Day. I spent all the holidays here working with Greg Jackson and his winning team. It’s a confidence builder and really helps my mentality going into a big fight.

PISB: Is there a different feeling when you know you are going to headline a fight?

MG: Not a big difference. I’ve done it before and there is no added pressure. I treat every fight like a title fight anyway. I’m more excited that we are fighting in front of all the troops. That’s an honor to me.

PISB: Speaking of fighting for the troops, how do you feel the atmosphere will be at Ft. Hood this weekend:

MG: It will be electrifying! There will be great energy in the crowd. I think the sport of MMA and the troops go hand-in-hand. They will really appreciate technical fighting.

PISB: Have you done anything special to prepare for Evan Dunham?

MG: Not really. There’s no secrets to what I do. It’s all about execution. I need to keep control of the fight and continue my three fight win streak. I may be more aggressive on my attack and give people some of the old, scrappy Melvin, as well as some of the new Melvin from coach Greg.

PISB: How are you planning to deal with Dunhams’ reach while standing, as well as his ground game?

MG: He’s not much taller than me, and training with guys like Carlos Condit, Jon Jones, and Clay Guida has helped. I’ve sparred with the taller guys, so I’m experienced with that. I also love fighting Southpaws. I’m just going to flow with it. 

PISB: Do you think you will need to keep the fight standing?

MG: Wherever it goes, it goes. On the ground, the old me would have panicked. Now, I gotta be in control and two steps ahead. I’m a well rounded fighter and my submission defense is much better thanks to my training partners. I’m not afraid to go to the mat.

PISB: You mentioned your training partners. Which of them do you tend to go hardest with? Do you have any in-camp rivals?

MG: Joe Stevenson and Clay bring the best out of me. (Donald) Cowboy Cerrone was always like my poison…he hit me hard. That’s what I love about Greg Jackson’s camp – everyone brings something different.

PISB: Are you training more in Brazilian jiu-jitsu than before and how is it going?

MG: Not a whole lot more. Most BJJ is MMA based. I’m working on new finishing moves like Clay’s guillotine.

PISB: You’ve asked for a title shot should you defeat Dunham. If you can’t get one, who would you like to fight next?

MG: It doesn’t matter. I’m currently tied for 5th in the rankings with Jim Miller, so he would be good. I’d like to fight anyone in the the top 5. Just no unranked guys as I want to keep challenging myself and go undefeated in 2011.

PISB: What are your thoughts on your boxing and are you doing anything to improve aspects of it?

MG: I’ve always had strong boxing. Dunham won’t outbox me. I’m ready to bring it and throw the whole kitchen sink at him. I’ve got my boxing down pat.

PISB: Are you considering dying your hair any other colors?

MG: No, I just re-did the blonde as it’s my trademark color.

PISB: Who are your favorite fighters in and out of the UFC®?

MG: Randy Couture is my childhood hero. I also love Kevin Randleman and Vitor Belfort. Today, my favorite fighter is myself.

PISB: Which strikers do you try to emulate?

MG: Growing up, my favorite striker was Ernesto Hoost and Remy Bonjansky.  They are K-1 fighters and I’ve definitely worked at picking up moves and combos from them.

PISB: Best of luck on Saturday and we look forward to seeing you represent the SafeAuto Fight Team!

SafeAuto Fight Team

SafeAuto Fight Teammembers Clay Guidaand Thiago Silvaeach posted impressive victories in UFC 125Saturday night. Guida won "Submission of the Night" for the way he forced Takanori Gomi to tap out, and Silva literally toyed with Brandon Vera for three rounds, even going so far as to play the bongo drums on his back. It is clear that Silva is fully back from his injury that has sidelined him for a year, and Guida is making a push to a title bout in 2011.

In preliminary action, SAFTmember Marcus Daviswas knocked out by Jeremy Stephens in the third round. Though Davis was winning the fight, Stephens connected on a vicious punch that put Davis on his back.

Overall, it was another successful evening for the SAFT , pushing the team record
to 3-1-1. For a complete recap of the event, check out the UFC official site.