LAS VEGAS – While fight fans will certainly be hyper-focused on the flip side of his UFC 329 equation, Elisha Ellison is a fighter with a story of his own.
Ellison (5-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC) was funneled into MMA in a much different way than his opponent, Steveson (3-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC), the Olympic gold medalist and standout wrestling champion. Ellison’s MMA journey budded in the darkest moments of his life.
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A retired military member, Ellison worked as a police officer in Washington state. His post-military trauma built up and eventually boiled over, causing mandatory time off. That’s when Ellison planned to end his life, until a friend saved him and introduced him to MMA.
“I used to be a police officer and first responders, we see a lot,” Ellison told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a pre-fight news conference Wednesday. “We go through a lot. I was dealing a lot from the military. I didn’t take care of it mentally. It bled over into my law enforcement life. I ended up getting put on admin leave. I was going to shoot myself. Thankfully, I had a buddy of mine call me literally at the last second. He and Jesus Christ saved my life.”
Ellison, 29, has competed in MMA since December 2022 and indicates that having an outlet and something to focus on has made a world of difference. Similar to Paddy Pimblett, who shares Saturday’s card at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Ellison advocates for everyone, but in particular men, to seek help if and when they need it.
“Go get help, bro,” Ellison said. “I’m talking to the men out there. We deal with a lot, and we don’t talk about it. Go get help. Go talk to somebody. Ultimately, martial arts has been a good outlet for me, therapeutic-wise. Therapy, man. Don’t be afraid to go talk to a therapist. Go tell them how you’re feeling and go get whatever you’re dealing with off your chest.”
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Present day, Ellison is happily living the dream. His UFC debut didn’t go his way, as he was knocked out by Brandon Pericic in September. But Saturday’s opportunity against one of combat sports’ most hyped prospects, Steveson, could earn him redemption – and a lot more.
“It’s funny,” Ellison said. “Whenever his first MMA fight was posted all over social media. I just had a gut feeling, man. I was like, ‘They’re going to make this matchup one day.’ They were going to get him to the UFC or trying to. Literally, the night they announced it, I turned to my wife and kid and said, ‘They’re going to make this fight.’ I got a call Sunday morning. My coach Jeff was like, ‘Hey, you’re fighting Gable.’ I had a good feeling. I told him it was a good matchup. Maybe not to the outsiders who see the work we’re putting in, but to me and my team, it’s a great matchup.”
Many folks are doubting Ellison – and that’s fine. He’ll let them. Ellison has seen the negative comments, but reminded the detractors that it’s silly to count out anyone who makes it to the UFC level.
“I don’t care, man,” Ellison said. “Fans are going to say what they’re going to say. They see Saturday night. I think people forget that the UFC is the best fighters in the world. We’re taking the best in the world and placing up against the best in the world. Writing off any UFC fighter is ridiculous.”
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Elisha Ellison explains how UFC pursuit deterred him from suicide
