According to a variety of sources, including Dana White, Yahoo Sports, MMA Weekly, and the highly-ranked fighter himself, Jon Fitch (17-3 MMA) has been cut from his current Zuffa contact, reportedly after failing to sign an exclusive merchandising agreement in connection with THQ’s upcoming UFC 2009: Undisputed video game set for release in 2009.
The news has taken the MMA community by complete surprise, as Fitch’s next fight had already been agreed upon by both parties to occur between himself and Japanese fighter Akihiro Gono at UFC 94 on January 31st. Perhaps most surprised—and confused—by the news was Fitch himself, who claims that he has yet to get a chance to speak with Dana White about the abrupt cut.
Citing seemingly unrelated reasoning, including his own hard work that has gone into the UFC, as well as the current state of the economy in connection with fighting promotions and sponsors, Dana White has gone on record to Yahoo Sports with incendiary remarks about Fitch and his AKA (American Kickboxing Academy) teammates for their refusal to sign the exclusive video game contracts.
Fitch, on a radio interview conducted today, confirmed that he has indeed been cut by the promotion and expressed confusion and indignation as to the UFC’s actions, especially considering his recent fighting record (his only loss in the UFC being a five-round war to the best welterweight fighter in the world, current champ Georges St-Pierre, in what has been lobbied as a candidate for Fight of the Year) and his traditional good standing with the promotion.
“This is seriously how they’re trying to treat fighters? Especially me?” [Fitch commented to MMA Weekly earlier today] “I’ve never complained about them. I’ve always done my best for the UFC in a positive way. I’ve fought my ass off. I’m arguably the second best welterweight in the world. Yet they are still willing to release me, especially after my last fight?”
Currently ranked “On the cusp” by The MMA Chronicler, Fitch not only represents the second best the welterweight division has to offer, but also one of the best fighters—pound for pound—on the planet. His departure from the UFC will not only result in a serious blow to the fighter’s wallet, but is also cause for lament among his significant hardcore fan base, as the AKA stand out will face a serious lack in top-flight competition outside of the UFC’s stacked welterweight division.
More on this story as it develops…
(For the full interview conducted by MMA Weekly, CLICK HERE)
