UFC's Jon Fitch Needs a Makeover - Fighters.com's December Welterweight Rankings

“I finish fights,” declared Fighters.com’s seventh-ranked lightweight “KenFlo” Kenny Florian (12-4) soon after losing a unanimous decision to then UFC lightweight champion “Muscle Shark” Sean Sherk (33-4-1) at UFC 64 in Las Vegas in 2006.

It was brash, exciting, and the attitude that pathed Florian’s return to a UFC title fight versus Fighters.com and UFC Lightweight Champion “Prodigy” BJ Penn (15-5-1) at UFC 101 in Philadelphia August 8.  And, for the most part, Florian kept his promise, finishing exciting fights that left no question he was the top contender in the division.

Now take third-ranked welterweight Jon Fitch (20-3) who won a unanimous decision over Mike Pierce (6-2) at UFC 107 in Memphis December 12.  It was Fitch’s sixth consecutive fight that ended in a decision.  Pierce was undoubtedly the lowest level of competition Fitch has faced in two years and it’s beginning to feel like the UFC is using Fitch as a threshold for young fighters with potential.

Fighters.com and UFC Welterweight Champion “Rush” Georges St. Pierre (19-2) has called Fitch his toughest challenge since earning the championship.  But, it’s unlikely Fitch will ever get a rematch until he begins finishing fights.  Not because Fitch can’t beat the other top contenders at 170 pounds, but Fighters.com doesn’t think the UFC will match Fitch versus the top contenders to earn another title shot until Fitch starts finishing fights.

I’ve met Fitch and he’s one of the most thoughtful, humble, and friendly fighters I’ve met.  But, I’ll be honest, I could miss his fights and not be too disappointed.  They’re sometimes as grueling to watch as they are for his opponent in the Octagon.

Fitch has to adopt the attitude Florian had when Florian earned a second title shot.  Fitch has to finish fights.  For Fitch, I think there’s a crossroads before him.  Again, Fighters.com doesn’t think the UFC will grant him another title fight until he starts finishing fights; so, Fitch has to realize that, in order to get his second title shot, he has to change his style.  Otherwise, Fitch will be forced into the role of threshold to prospects and, eventually, Fitch will come up short and be a stepping-stone to one of those prospects.

Fighters.com’s December Welterweight Rankings

1. “Rush” Georges St. Pierre (19-2)

2. “Pitbull” Thiago Alves (16-4)

3. Jon Fitch (20-3)

4. Paulo Thiago (8-1)

5. Jake Shields (24-4-1)

6. Josh Koscheck (14-4)

7. Matt Hughes (41-7)

8. “Zenko” Yoshiyuki Yoshida (11-4)

9. “Outlaw” Dan Hardy (23-6)

10. “Quick” Mike Swick (14-3)