1st Round without a doubt goes to Penn. GSP couldn't get Penn down in either of the 1st rounds of their fights. Edgar was able to secure takedowns because he was quick enough to out-position Penn. Fitch is neither quicker than Penn or as good at takedowns as Edgar or GSP. Look for Penn to pick Fitch apart from the feet the first round. 2nd Round Fitch wins Pushes Penn up against the fence for about 2/3s of the round winning the round on Octogan control, however inflicting no damage. Maybe gets a takedown midway through or towards the end. 3rd Round Fitch wins It will go like the 2nd, but the takedown comes sooner. I think this fight will look EXACTLY like the 1st GSP fight with Penn.
Fitch by wrestle**** UD. But when BJ actually feels like being motivated for his ****ing fights, he's awesome.
A few essays arguing that a guy with a 9-0 record and a couple of big wins belongs at #3 on the ATG list at HW, most of them full of inaccuraces(Lesnar is "on another level" to Coleman in terms of wrestling?) that you backed away from after they were pointed out. You come across as someone who knows very little about MMA and is used to bullshitting his way though arguements with people who know even less. Fitch is good no doubt but as I said I suspect not quite as good as his rep(the guy who beats everyone at WW but GSP basically)/record suggests, his #3 spot on the ATG list for example is IMHO a very distant #3 from GSP and Hughes. I understand his skillset just fine, very tough to finish and a good wrestler but not a high level striker or submission fighter. What its likely to comes down to is just how good his wrestling is and just how good Penns takedown defence is. That dispite both having long careers isnt easy to judge at WW, which opponant with high quality TD defence has Fitch beaten? as I said only Alves and theres a big question mark next to that win given how drained Thaigo looked. We've seen quality takedown defence from BJ but only really vs Hughes a WW and the very early going vs GSP, I suspect it will be good enough though to give Fitch problems with the main factor being whether he gets stuck in the fence clinch too often or not. You watch Fitch vs someone like Wilson and I think its pretty clear he's going to be at a disadvanatge if this turns into a kickboxing/boxing match.
`I dont think many people here will bet money on Penn..Right now the best price on Fitch I see is -170...Fitch is the best guy at WW IMO not named GSP and he has not lost in over 8 years with the exception of his loss to GSP(AUG 2008 ..Who has Penn beaten at WW now besides Hughes? Fitch is bigger,stronger and has better cardio as well and I see this being a horrible matchup for him and I dont think its fair for BJ to fight Fitch so quickly at WW.. But if you people want to bet Penn so I can get Fitch at a better price go right ahead
P4P yes but Fitch is bigger and he is a durable grinder. This is what worries me. Over 5 rounds, it might be better for Penn. Penn looked a little soft against Hughes. If Penn can fight a smart fight then he could win. If he fights tough then probably not. He could box Fitch and he has a good take down defence with threatening subs. The chance is there but Penn is a warrior and it might be his downfall.
I'd say three rounds is actually better for BJ, allows him to fight more aggresively without having to pace himself.
I meant 3 rounds. When I read what you wrote I thought what is he on about. I mean 3 rounds. 5 rounds wouldn't do Penn good.