Unless you’ve been ignoring the internet the last couple of days, trying to show it who’s really in charge, you’re probably fully aware of the fact that Ben Saunders will now fight Jon Fitch Saturday, instead of his American Top Team buddy, Thiago Alves. It’s a ballsy move stepping up to fight a dude like Fitch. This is a guy who has gone 11-1 in the Octagon, and for the most part, the wrestler turned fighter has had very few difficulties with most of the opponents he’s faced.
Of course, this is precisely why Saunders was eager to toss scheduled opponent, Jake Ellenberger, to the side; Ellenberger’s a bad ass (and probably an under-rated fighter), but he doesn’t have the resume of Fitch. Speaking to MMA Junkie, Saunders offered these comments, as to why he was quick to dial up Dana White and inform the UFC boss man ‘let’s do this.’
“It’s a great opportunity,” he said. “I saw it there, and I had to jump on it.”
Plus, remember, Fitch stopped Alves in 2006, so…
“I’m looking to get a little ATT payback on a friendly competitive level,” Saunders said. “Nothing personal.”
Fair enough. With great risk comes great reward no? As for Ellenberger, he gets his win and show money which is nice, but here’s hoping for his sake that he doesn’t end up fight less for another 4 months. To bet on UFC 111 head here.