According to MMAjunkie, Fitch, rated No. 2 in the world, is booked to face Jake Ellenberger at UFC 126. Yes, that's the same Ellenberger who's only 2-1 in the UFC. Fitch is 13-1 with the promotion and 23-3 overall. Seems like an odd matchup, right?
Fitch lost to GSP back at UFC 87 and has been pining for a rematch since the middle of 2009. The closest he's been to fighting the top guy was against No. 4 ranked Alves.
Give him credit, he's beating the guys put in front of him but his five-fight win streak has come against Alves (No. 4), Mike Pierce (No. 24), Paulo Thiago (No. 12), Ben Saunders (unranked) and Akihiro Gono (unranked). Next up is No. 22 Ellenberger (23-5, 2-1 UFC).
Why won't the UFC give him that second crack at GSP? There's two issues at hand here.
Fitch's stance against fighting his American Kickboxing teammate Josh Koscheck is the first problem. It clearly irks Dana White. White snapped at Fitch during the UFC 111 postfight. Fitch said he'd only fight Koscheck in the gym. White responded by sarcastically saying, "that'll make a lot of money." White added last week that he thinks that teammates are afraid to lose to each other.
The second hitch is Fitch's lack of finishing prowess in recent fights. Ellenberger may provide the opportunity for an explosive ending. He's an action fighter. All three of his UFC fights have been heated scraps. It could energize fans and convince the UFC that there's a need for GSP-Fitch II.
The downside is huge. Fitch has everything lose. If he's upset by Ellenberger, Fitch is back to square one. And without a nasty finish to deliver a strong message, Fitch adds to his negative reputation as Mr. Decision. His last seven wins have gone the distance.atings according to USA Today/Bloody Elbow
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