On September 17, 2011, Jake Ellenberger TKoed Jake Shield in the main event of UFC Fight Night 25, earning knockout of the night, and pushing his win streak to five. Next, on February 15, 2012 Ellenberger decisioned Diego Sanchez in the main event of UFC on Fuel TV 1, earning fight of the night, and pushing his streak to six. This weekend Ellenberger cited the Sanchez win as the highlight of his career. ‘The Juggernaut’ has gone 4-10 since; but three of the four wins earned performance bonuses.

Following a Round 1 TKO loss to Bryan Barbarena at UFC Fight Night 135 on Saturday night, Ellenberger unexpectedly retired at age 33. Even he had not contemplated it, and post fight, he couldn’t articulate exactly what led him to the decision.

I don’t know, said Ellenberger to MMAjunkie co-founders John Morgan and Steven Marrocco. My kids … their future and time with them has really encouraged that decision. But this is the toughest sport in the world. It really is, and things don’t always go your way.

I would say it came a little shorter than I would have liked, but that’s what it is right now. So I’m in the process of moving forward.

“He caught me. It was one of those things – you’ve got to keep moving forward. … I’ve got a few ideas, but nothing’s set yet, he said. I’ve got a few options right now.

Ellenberger couldn’t articulate why he retired, and he couldn’t say whether the retirement may be temporary.

“For right now, there’s no,” he explained.