5 Reasons Why Jon Fitch Could Beat BJ Penn

Welcome back fans and friends, it’s now time for the third part of my one-day-only four-part series covering UFC 127’s main event: a showdown between BJ Penn and Jon Fitch, with a shot at the UFC Welterweight Championship on the line. Part 1 of the series is up here, Part 2 can be seen by clicking here. Parts 3 and 4 are a new installment in my “Five Reasons Why” series, so let’s dive right in with five reasons why Jon Fitch could beat BJ Penn, with the reverse soon to follow.

5. Fitch is at his hungriest and most motivated when he knows a title shot is on the line.

Unfortunately for Fitch, the UFC has made a habit out of putting the 13-1 MMA veteran into “contender eliminator” fights and then going with somebody else to challenge for the UFC Welterweight Championship. But whenever the UFC claims that Fitch will get a shot at the belt if he wins his next fight, he always shows up to that fight in incredible shape and scores a dominant victory. History has a strong chance of repeating itself at UFC 127.

4. Penn struggles against Fitch’s kind of dominant wrestlers.

I know some Penn fans are going to immediately shout “GreaseGate” at this accusation, but even without grease I think it’s clear that Penn struggles against Fitch’s style, the stocky grinder that wears him down by constantly pushing the pace and constantly scoring takedowns. Look no further than Penn’s second encounter with Frank Edgar for proof. Outside of his natural weight class and against a wrestler easily as dominant and grind-focused as Edgar, Penn could be in a lot of trouble.

3. Fitch has fought and beat plenty of high-level competition.

No matter who you are or what opponents you fight, you only get a record like 13-1 in the UFC if you’re the absolute best of the best. Fitch has stumbled only once, one single time, in the five years he’s been with the UFC. Not even BJ Penn can say that. Fitch has beaten a host of top-level talent, and while Penn is definitely a step above almost everyone, this is not a fight that Fitch is unaccustomed to.

2. Jon Fitch has a great chin.

Fitch has faced knockout artists and beat them, and against Georges St. Pierre, he was beat down and bruised and he still never went out. Jon Fitch has a great chin, and it’s held up remarkably well despite having to take several tough shots throughout his long UFC career. Penn may be coming off of a huge KO win, but if Fitch’s chin is put to the test, it will probably pass. Penn may just break his hand before he cracks Fitch’s chin.

And the number one reason Jon Fitch could beat BJ Penn is…

1. Jon Fitch is a grinder.

You’ve heard Joe Rogan say it: “embrace the grind”. Fans of fighters.com will know my own saying regarding Jon Fitch: there’s a “beautiful ugliness” to Jon Fitch’s style. Fitch wears people down to the point where it’s almost easy for him to get his takedowns. If Fitch sticks to his style and has the guts to implement it to its fullest, he’s got a great shot at beating BJ Penn.

And that’s what I think, fans and friends. Stay tuned for the final part of this four-part series, it’ll be up soon. But for now: do you think Jon Fitch can beat BJ Penn? Why or why not?