Jon Fitch UFC 127 Preview

> Don't miss our UFC 127 predictions and find the UFC 127 fight results online here at Pro Fighting Fans!

Consistency is the best word that can be used when you describe former Purdue University wrestler, Jon Fitch’s nine-plus year mixed martial arts career. During those nine-plus years, Fitch has managed to stay out of the immediate limelight, due in large because of his sometimes less-than-entertaining “grind it out” fighting style. Whether the opinion of him is entertaining or not, the American Kickboxing Academy’s top welterweight continues to pile up the victories and continues to climb the 170-pound ladder towards another title fight. For him to do that, and secure his second welterweight title bout in the last three years, Fitch will need to knock off former lightweight and welterweight champion BJ Penn in the UFC 127 main event this Saturday in Australia.

Find great unique MMA style t-shirts & clothing online from Intimidation Clothing!

It all started over 5 ½ years ago at UFC Ultimate Fight Night 2 with a unanimous decision victory over fellow wrestler Brock Larson. The victories continued to come one after another until his streak was at an impressive eight consecutive. After winning his first eight bouts inside the octagon, Fitch was given a chance and matched up against welterweight champion George St. Pierre in the UFC 87 main event. In that main attraction, St. Pierre turned the tables on Fitch and neutralized his world class wrestling on his way to a dominating unanimous decision victory over Fitch.

Instead of changing weight classes or making excuses about why he lost, Fitch decided to pick up right where he left off prior to his title opportunity. The Indiana-native continued to notch win after win over top-tier welterweights, including Akihiro Gono, Paulo Thiago, Mike Pierce, Ben Saunders, and Thiago Alves, for the second time in his UFC career, to get his current title elimination bout against Penn.

As far as skills are concerned, it’s not too difficult to figure out where Fitch would like to fight. It would seem that he would like to take Penn to the ground where he can use his distinct size advantage and gain dominant positioning so that he can score major points with his wrestling. It would also seem that Penn holds the advantage in the striking game. If Fitch has to stand for long periods of time, the Hawaii native would likely pick him apart with his boxing technique.

> Look to Pro Fighting Fans for the UFC 127 fight card & results and check out the expanded selection of UFC clothing & merchandise available online!

When it all comes down to it, it doesn’t really matter who holds the advantage in any area. The fact of the matter is, execution will win the fight. Fitch isn’t a strong striker but his defense is among the best in the organization, which is saying a lot. No matter where his opponent has the advantage, Fitch rarely is exposed in any one area of the fight. I like Fitch’s odds no matter who the opponent is, mainly because his is as consistent mentally as he is physically. The same can’t be said about his UFC 127 opponent.

BJ Penn will likely come into UFC 127 as a solid favorite in the sports odds department. However, being an underdog is something that Fitch is used to by now. He has been in the top MMA league for almost six years and still isn’t one of the promotions’ most recognizable stars. It just doesn’t seem to be bother his performances in the octagon, and I look for this match-up to be no different. After all, Fitch isn’t in the UFC to be recognized, he is there to win, and win is exactly what he does. He will prove that you can still describe him as consistent after the fight as well.

By Nick Russel
ProFighting-fans.com MMA Staff Writer