As for now, Ellenberger is simply enjoying the ride. He isn't busy complaining about lack of pay or demanding more money. He's happy with what he has.

"I think the UFC does a pretty good job of taking care of their fighters," Ellenberger said. "Financially I'm comfortable personally. I'm obviously not in this sport to get rich but, ya know, I'm in the wrong sport to just make money. Personally, I'm pretty happy."

Ellenberger will have a huge opportunity this Saturday. Fighting on Spike TV, where millions of viewers can tune in for free, could fast track him to title contention. Ellenberger is truly approaching the opportunity of a lifetime. He looks around and sees other fighters his age, or even younger, going on to achieve great things and it pushes him that much harder.

"I'm not in a hurry right now," Ellenberger said. "I'm 26 and still learning everyday. You look at guys like Jon Jones, those guys come around once in a lifetime. He's a phenomenal fighter. He's 23 and he's the champ. For me it's just motivating and inspiring. I want to work harder and prove it."

Jake Ellenberger made the preceding statements while appearing as a guest on the MMA Fight Corner presented by FiveKnuckles.com. You can catch the show in its entirety below: