(Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Mixed martial arts fans already knew that the upcoming bout between former two division UFC champ BJ Penn (16-7-1) and former welterweight contender Jon Fitch (23-3, 1NC) would decide which fighter stood higher in the 170 lb division, but it will also determine who gets the next title shot.
UFC President Dana White made the announcement on Tuesday during a conference call for UFC 127: Penn vs. Fitch.
“Let’s face it, the reality is B.J. Penn has held titles in both weight classes. Fitch has fought for the title and has literally dominated that division for a long time, just didn’t win the title. Any one of these guys that wins this fight is in the mix — the No. 1 guy.”
Penn recently returned to the welterweight division earning a quick 21-second victory over Matt Hughes at UFC 123, it was their third meeting and puts Penn at 2-1 against the former 170 lb champion. The win erased back-to-back losses against Frankie Edgar for the UFC lightweight title.
Fitch meanwhile has won five straight since his loss to welterweight champ Georges St-Pierre at UFC 87, and puts his record at 21-1-1 since his second professional defeat back in December of 2002. His last octagon appearance was at UFC 117 when he earned a unanimous decision against Thiago Alves in a 171.5 lbs catchweight bout.
HT: MMAFighting.com for the quote