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WSOF 3: Fitch vs. Burkman 2 Preview

Former UFC welterweight contender Jon Fitch returns to action on the June 14 WSOF 3 card against another former UFC welterweight Josh Burkman. The fight card will take place at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, and be broadcast on NBC Sports…

This will be Fitch’s first action since a one-sided unanimous decision loss to Demian Maia at UFC 156 back in February, and his subsequent release from the promotion.

These two welterweights have squared off before; Fitch defeated Burkman via rear-naked choke in the second round at UFC Fight Night 4 in April 2006.

Burkman—who is known as “The People’s Warrior”—is now 2-0 in the WSOF, and is coming off an impressive first-round TKO victory over Aaron Simpson at WSOF 2.

Check out the video above. Both fighters are confident and aren’t just predicting victories; they are predicting beatdowns.

Will this fight end in a similar fashion to the first one? Let Bleacher Report know in the comments below.

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Jon Fitch: It’s Time to Bury the Pay-Per-View Dinosaur, MMA Needs Free TV

For the last six years of his professional fighting life, anybody that wanted to see Jon Fitch perform had to plunk down at least $45 to see him compete on pay-per-view. The last time Fitch fought on free television was in 2007, when he defeated Roan C…

For the last six years of his professional fighting life, anybody that wanted to see Jon Fitch perform had to plunk down at least $45 to see him compete on pay-per-view.

The last time Fitch fought on free television was in 2007, when he defeated Roan Carneiro as part of the UFC Fight Night 10 show that aired live on Spike TV. Since then, however, he has been a part of pay-per-view broadcasts while fighting in the UFC.

Now, with his main event fight coming up against Josh Burkman for the third World Series of Fighting card that will air live for free on NBC Sports Network, Fitch is speaking out against the idea that big fights have to take place on pay-per-view in MMA.

“It’s time that we bury this dinosaur that is pay-per-view,” Fitch told Bleacher Report recently. “It’s such a ridiculous thing that we live in 2013 and people still think that pay-per-view is still a viable and realistic form of selling anything.

“People just need to get on the bandwagon of free television. It starts with supporting World Series (of Fighting) on June 14 on NBC Sports Network.”

The only promotion that has ever had success with pay-per-view in mixed martial arts is the UFC. Several other organizations have tried the format to launch or boost their brand, but everyone short of the UFC has fallen flat on its face.

Fitch believes that the UFC holding on so tightly to pay-per-view as the top spot for the biggest fights is actually preventing the sport from reaching the next plateau in terms of overall growth. He also knows that while big time boxing stars like Floyd Mayweather are pulling in over $30 million dollars per fight, the pay-per-view format has virtually killed boxing’s relevancy in the American sports landscape.

“I think we’re over it. I think it’s what killed boxing,” Fitch said. “Because they used to show boxing—a long time ago boxing used to be on ABC Sports and stuff like that. It was on free TV. Like Muhammed Ali fought on free television. When these promoters start being greedy and start seeing the money in pay-per-view, they went that route, and it really is unfair to the fans. It’s a ripoff.”

It’s so much of a ripoff, Fitch is shocked that fans still pay to see any fight on television when there are a million different ways to see things for free.

“With technology today, I don’t see how everybody doesn’t pirate it free anyways,” Fitch stated. “Just get on board for free TV, and I think that needs to be the end of pay-per-view.”

Fitch will pick up his career on free television for his next fight, and he hopes more promotions will follow suit. The UFC does have a landmark deal with Fox where more and more original programming will be allowed to air for free in the coming years.

In the big picture, Fitch knows that as big as MMA has gotten over the last decade, he can only imagine how much bigger it could be if people weren’t forced to pay for to see the best in the world compete.

“I think so, just for the willingness of these companies to put it on free TV, is showing some acceptance,” Fitch said. “Once you start seeing some bigger sponsors getting on board, some bigger corporate sponsors getting on board, that’s really going to be the key to turning this into a top-level sport like the NBA and NFL.”

Damon Martin is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. All quotes were obtained first hand unless otherwise noted.

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Jon Fitch Bringing Added Motivation into Debut at WSOF 3

For the better part of the past decade, Jon Fitch has been heralded as one of the top welterweights in mixed martial arts.The former wrestling standout from Purdue University worked his way up from the lower rungs of a stacked 170-pound weight class to…

For the better part of the past decade, Jon Fitch has been heralded as one of the top welterweights in mixed martial arts.

The former wrestling standout from Purdue University worked his way up from the lower rungs of a stacked 170-pound weight class to become a perennial contender in the UFC fold. Unfortunately for the AKA staple, a lengthy layoff due to injury and a rough skid where Fitch dropped two of his last three bouts pushed the 35-year-old further from title contention than he’d been in years.

Adding insult to injury, following his loss to Demian Maia at UFC 156 back in February, Fitch was released from the promotion despite carrying a 14-3-1 record over his time with the company.

Nevertheless, it didn’t take long for the Ft. Wayne native to find a new home with World Series of Fighting, and Fitch will begin the next chapter of his career on June 14 when he squares off with veteran Josh Burkman at WSOF 3.

For Fitch, the new endeavor will provide new opportunities, and he’s looking forward to proving he’s still one of the best 170-pound fighters on the planet.

“I’m going to show everybody what I’m capable of,” Fitch told Bleacher Report. “And I’m going to show everybody what I’m capable of with support behind me. It’s going to be really nice to fight for an organization that is pushing and promoting me instead of trying to hold me back and put me down.

“There wasn’t a fight I went into where I didn’t feel as if I was fighting for my job. If I didn’t win I was going to be fired. Every fight I had before was not just a fight against the guy in front of me but a fight against the people putting on the show.

“I’m really excited,” he added in regard to fighting at WSOF 3. “I only have a couple more weeks of training then I take off for Las Vegas. I can’t wait to get started in this new promotion and be on free TV with NBC Sportsnet. I think it’s a big opportunity and I can’t wait for it.”

The upstart promotion made headlines around the MMA community when it signed Fitch back in March, and he’s eager to get the next chapter of his career under way. His first challenge will come against a resurgent welterweight in Burkman.

“The People’s Warrior” has won both of his showings under the WSOF banner and collected victories in seven of his last eight bouts. While Fitch was victorious in their first meeting back in 2006, he’s not relying on history or memory for the upcoming tilt. Fitch knows the 32-year-old Utah native has evolved as a fighter since their initial clash and is looking at Burkman as a new challenge.

“I can’t really view this as a rematch because there has been so much time between the two fights,” Fitch said. “I’m looking at him as a new opponent. He’s switched his stance and changed a lot of things. I’m looking at him as a brand-new opponent and I’m excited for this opportunity.”

Following his win over Aaron Simpson at WSOF 2, rather than use his post-fight interview to hype a future bout with Fitch, Burkman suggested the San Jose-based fighter needed to get in line to fight him. While the commentary created a bit of confusion around the MMA community, Fitch understood his upcoming opponent’s point of view.

“I think he was trying to say that I shouldn’t get a title shot for my first fight,” Fitch said. “There were a lot of people talking that I was going to walk in and fight for the title in my first fight. I can understand where he’s coming from with that because he has two wins for World Series and could certainly make a case for himself that he deserved it. He’s put in the time and the work. But I don’t think they are going to be bringing in any belts until their fifth or sixth show or something like that.

“I’ve put in the work and I could see myself fighting for a title with this organization very soon. But I also understand it’s a very young organization and it doesn’t have very many depths where fighters have had multiple fights competing for that organization for people to get behind. That makes it kind of hard to introduce belts that early.

“I’m hoping the next fight will be a title shot. Obviously, I’d make more money but I understand what they are doing with the organization. I think they made the right call.”

With the the next chapter of his career rapidly approaching, Fitch will be looking to shake off the troubles of the past two years and put his unique brand of the grind back at the forefront of mixed martial arts.

It was grit and heart that brought him to the pinnacle of the sport, and it will take more of the same to begin on his new journey. That being said, without the stresses and concerns he once carried, Fitch is certain he will put his best on display at WSOF 3.

“People can expect to see the best of Jon Fitch,” he said. “No filters. No worries other than the fight in front of me and I think that is going to bring out the best Jon Fitch you’ve seen.”

Duane Finley is a Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless noted otherwise.

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World Series of Fighting Announces Four-Fight Lineup, Ticket Dates for WSOF 3 in Las Vegas

(Knocks out a former UFC star, still can’t get his friends backstage passes. No respect, I tells ya. Photo via Dave Mandel of Sherdog.)

On the heels of a successful second event in March, upstart promotion World Series of Fighting has officially announced the date, location, ticket dates, and TV lineup for WSOF 3 earlier today. Featuring a main event rematch between Josh Burkman and Jon Fitch for the promotion’s inaugural welterweight title (a ballsy decision considering Fitch’s somewhat…ahem…polarizing style of fighting), WSOF 3 is set to transpire Friday, June 14th from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Tickets for the event are set go on sale April 19th and start at just $29.00.

At this point, you’re probably thinking, “Thirty bucks for a rematch between to mid-tier UFC castaways? My mom will never float me the money for such nonsense!” Well, tell those shyster parents of yours that WSOF 3 will also feature the likes of Tyrone Spong, Rolles Gracie, and Justin Gaethje as well.

On the heels of a straight vicious performance in his MMA debut at WSOF 1, Spong will face off against Angel “The Dream” (Author’s note: Uh-oh…) DeAnda, an 11-2, 5’8″ light heavyweight currently riding a four-fight win streak over a bunch of guys you’ve probably never heard of. DeAnda’s last loss dates back to 2010, where he was knocked out by one-time XARM competitor (and former UFC fighter, we’re being told) James “Why Me?” Irvin in under two minutes. Expect something similar to happen to this poor bastard here as well.

The rest of the announced lineup for WSOF 3 is after the jump.

(Knocks out a former UFC star, still can’t get his friends backstage passes. No respect, I tells ya. Photo via Dave Mandel of Sherdog.)

Also set for WSOF 3 is a matchup between Rolles Gracie and knockout artist Dave “Bad Man” Huckaba. Since being ousted from the UFC following a disastrous performance in his lone appearance at UFC 109, Gracie has scored five straight wins via submission including a triumphant submission via pitter-patter punches victory over Bob Sapp. Huckaba, on the other hand, has collected nine victories in his past ten contests (eight by stoppage) and holds notable victories over Tank Abbott’s next opponent, the manbearpig who died after fighting a roided up Ken Shamrock, and the guy who tapped to Kimbo’s strikes in under 20 seconds. Should be a fun scrap.

The rest of the announced lineup for WSOF 3 is below.

MAIN CARD (NBC Sports Network, 11 p.m. ET),
-Josh Burkman vs. Jon Fitch
-Brian Cobb vs. Justin Gaethje
-Angel DeAnda vs. Tyrone Spong
-Rolles Gracie vs. Dave Huckaba

PRELIMINARY CARD (Untelevised, 8 p.m. ET)
-John Gunderson vs. Dan Lauzon
-Kendrick Miree vs. Krasimir Mladenov

–J. Jones

Jon Fitch vs. Josh Burkman Rematch Set for World Series of Fighting 3 Main Event

(Burkman bombs out on Aaron Simpson at WSOF 2 last weekend. Photo via Rick Albrecht for CagePotato)

World Series of Fighting’s third event is slated for June 14th in Las Vegas (venue TBA), and will be headlined by Jon Fitch‘s promotional debut against Josh Burkman. MMAFighting.com first confirmed the news with WSOF president Ray Sefo, adding that the fight will be a non-title bout.

It’ll be the second meeting for Fitch and Burkman, who previously faced off in April 2006 at UFC Fight Night 4, with Fitch scoring a second-round victory by rear-naked choke. Burkman was cut by the UFC following an 0-3 skid in 2008, and has since gone 7-1 outside of the Octagon, including impressive wins over Gerald Harris and Aaron Simpson at World Series of Fighting’s first two events.

Fitch vs. Burkman represents a very different strategy for WSOF compared to the headliner of their last event. Instead of putting on another moneyweight freak-show, the promotion is simply fielding the two best welterweights they have under contract — which makes sense in theory, though it does lack Arlovski vs. Johnson‘s novelty value. And if you were a Fitch-hater before he was released from the UFC for being too expensive, your opinion probably hasn’t changed much since.

So what do you think? Is Fitch vs. Burkman 2 a compelling main event, or should WSOF just stick to “fun” fights to draw viewers in?

(Burkman bombs out on Aaron Simpson at WSOF 2 last weekend. Photo via Rick Albrecht for CagePotato)

So what do you think? Is Fitch vs. Burkman 2 a compelling main event, or should WSOF just stick to “fun” fights to draw viewers in?

Jon Fitch to Make June Debut for WSOF, Possibly Against Josh Burkman

Right before Josh Burkman and Aaron Simpson locked horns last night in New Jersey at the World Series of Fighting event, the organization’s President Ray Sefo announced that the winner of the bout would get Jon Fitch in June for his promotional debut. Fitch is the former #1 UFC welterweight title contender that was recently released by the top promotion and snatched up by Sefo and WSOF.

Both Burkman and Simpson are also UFC veterans. Fitch was ring side last night in Jersey and appeared ready to make good on Sefo’s plan.

Burkman, however, may not be. After knocking Simpson out in the first round and stringing together his fourth straight win, Burkman balked at fighting Fitch next. Burkman believes that he has earned a shot at the organization’s vacant welterweight title and that Fitch has yet to.

Both Burkman and Simpson are also UFC veterans. Fitch was ring side last night in Jersey and appeared ready to make good on Sefo’s plan.

“I think I deserve a title shot. I beat (Gerald) Harris, I beat Simpson, and those are two of the best guys outside of the UFC. I think Jon Fitch needs to earn his title shot and then we can talk about it,” Burkman said.

“I am going to talk to [the WSOF] about it.”

Fitch is 24-5-1 overall in MMA and has long been considered one of the top 170 pounders in the world. In fact, at the time of his release by the UFC, he was ranked #9 in their own rankings.

However, he has lost two out of his last three, including getting dominated by Demian Maia in his last outing, at UFC 156. Burkman has won seven out of his last eight bouts since being released by the UFC in 2008.

What do you say, nation? Is Burkman smart to make the WSOF sweat a bit before giving them their desired fight? Should the organization make the fight a title one or would having one of the participants be someone coming off a loss in a competitor’s organization reflect poorly on the upstart promotion?

– Elias Cepeda