Jake Ellenberger has won seven of his nine fights in the UFC and will meet former Strikeforce welterweight champion Nate Marquardt at UFC 158 next Saturday night in Montreal. 
Ellenberger (28-6) appeared to be close to a title shot last year before he was defeated by Martin Kampmann at The Ultimate Fighter 15 Finale.
During his UFC 158 Pre-Fight Interview, Ellenberger stated that he feels he can beat anyone at welterweight.
“In my mind, when I’m at my best I can beat anyone in the world at 170 and I have to prove that,” Ellenberger said.
Prior to the fight against Kampmann, he had won six in a row which included a knockout victory over former Strikeforce champion Jake Shields. He will now take on another former Strikeforce champion in Marquardt and he knows he needs to win this fight to prove his is a contender in the UFC welterweight division.
“Nate Marquardt is a very well-rounded fighter. I couldn’t tell you somewhere he stands out where he’s weak. He’s a veteran who’s been fighting for a long time. I’ve got to beat him to prove that I’m a contender for this title.”
Ellenberger is the number six welterweight according to the UFC media rankings and will need to beat several top contenders to prove he is the best welterweight in the world.
“I don’t know if I’m the best welterweight in the world right now but I know I can beat anyone in the world and that’s all I need to know. I know I can beat Nate Marquardt.”