A relative unknown, McElfresh, 27, sports a 5-1-0 record having gone undefeated since dropping his professional debut in March of 2005. With five consecutive wins under his belt, the Cincinnati-native is looking to keep his streak intact but understands he has a formidable opponent in Marshall.
"I have seen a couple of his fights on YouTube and he was solid," stated Saturday night's challenger. "He throws lots of punches and he likes to come out quickly and push the pace."
When pressed about how he plans to counter the aggressive Marshall's usual game plan the towering 6' 6" McElfresh declared his reach, a lengthy 84-inches, would be the determining factor in his strategy.
"I have to use my reach to my advantage and keep him from getting inside," McElfresh stated. "If I can do that I am usually successful."
The Neil Rowe product has shown his versatility throughout his five-fight winning streak. McElfresh has garnered three submissions, one referee stoppage and a single unanimous decision.
"I try to finish my fights, either standing or on the ground," observed McElfresh. "My stand-up is my strength but my jiu-jitsu is pretty good as well. So, like I have done in my other fights, I will try to keep this fight standing but if it hits the ground I am pretty good off my back as well."
McElfresh also has a definite sense of importance when it comes to fighting for the WEC. Acknowledging the link to Zuffa's purchase of the promotion, McElfresh makes no bones about the fact that he has even greater aspirations beyond the WEC light heavyweight title.
"The UFC is where everyone wants to fight," McElfresh opined. "That is my ultimate goal, to make it to the UFC in the next couple years."
He also made it clear he has a definite time line he would like to adhere to and that includes making it to the UFC before the age of 29. You see his training partner Rich Franklin (Pictures) was 28 years old when he made his Octagon debut, and McElfresh would like to match him.
As for training with a UFC superstar the likes of Franklin, McElfresh is candid about the fact that having a person like Rich who can impart the wisdom they have accumulated over the years of fighting at such a high level has been a big confidence booster for him. It certainly can't hurt having the former champ giving you pointers on the difference between the small local shows and the big time.
"Rich has been great," beamed a thankful McElfresh. "The biggest thing he has helped me with is letting me know about the pace of the fight. The first time I sparred with him I felt like I was gonna puke after just one round. The pace he fights at is totally different than anything I was used to."
While it is impressive enough that McElfresh has landed in a WEC title fight, it would be remarkable if he could pull off the UFC appearance as well, seeing as how he has been a full-time fighter for all of nine months. The fact that he has had a whopping total of one fight since making the commitment to MMA has been a bit disappointing for the light heavyweight.
"I have had a bunch of guys pull out of fights over the last year," he declared. "I haven't fought in about six months. I don't know if it's my size or what but I have had a few fights fall through."
When you add the fact that McElfresh has to cut a considerable amount of weight to make the 205-pound division limit, one can understand his frustrations. He has cut about 27 pounds over the past three weeks and that can make anyone a little antsy, though it provides him an advantage when it comes time to fight; he figures he will enter the cage weighting around 220 pounds come fight night.
With his jump to the WEC, McElfresh shouldn't have a problem finding opponents who are willing to step into the cage with him, especially if he is fortunate enough to walk away with the WEC strap.
And that is the goal come Saturday night. To cement his place in the burgeoning organization with a memorable win over a very tough opponent.
"I know this is a big opportunity for me and I want to make the most of it," noted McElfresh. "I am not a trash talker so I will just say I expect an exciting fight that I hope to come out on top in."
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