Yesterday we talked about the fact that this Saturday’s rematch between Jon Fitch and Thiago Alves is a pretty big effin deal, but because UFC 111 also features two title fights, the bout is maybe getting glossed over a little bit. Alves is a bad ass dude, and if he avenges his previous loss to Fitch, it will say a lot about his improvement as a fighter. If Fitch wins, well, his UFC record will sit at an unbelievable 12-1…yeah, we’d say that’s worthy of getting another crack at the belt.
Maybe part of the reason Fitch’s accomplishments get looked over sometimes is because he isn’t well known for producing the highlight reel stoppages, after all, this is a guy whose last five wins all came way of decision. Does this mean Fitch isn’t at the top of the heap? Of course not. Does this mean that some fans may not see him as super entertaining? Perhaps. Speaking to Bleacher Report, Fitch offered this rebuttal, when asked about fans that criticize him for not finishing fights.
“I view them as fair-weather fans,” Fitch said exclusively to Bleacher Report. “They aren’t mixed martial arts fans. They want to see K-1 kickboxing with small gloves and not MMA.”
“I’m always working to finish fights. There are two guys in the fight, and if the other guy is looking to just survive, it’s hard to finish.”
Fitch also goes on to criticize certain promoters and fighters for trying to appease “fair-weather” fans (if you don’t know what a half guard is this could be you). He makes some solid points. To bet on Alves vs. Fitch head here.